...head: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS PAPER Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods Paper Obbie Brown University: Course: Tutor: Date: Appropriate Academic Research An appropriate academic research can be defined as the research and the experimental developments which comprise creative works which are conducted on a systematic basis with an aim of increasing the pool of an individual’s or a group’s knowledge. The knowledge could include the in-depth knowledge of mankind, culture and the society. The stock of knowledge is then used to devise alternative solutions to the existing problems (Brew & Lucas, 2009). Quantitative Research Quantitative form of research is predetermined and involves a large number of respondents. It involves objective measurements which are both quantitative and are statistically valid. Quantitative research entails hard and objective data. Quantitative research seeks to quantify data and generalize the results from the predetermined sample to the target population. It also aims at measuring the incidence of various views and opinions in a given sample (Balnaves & Caputi, 2001). Qualitative Research Qualitative research involves the collection, analysis and interpretation of data through the application of the observatory techniques as well as listening to peoples’ opinions. While quantitative research entails the counts and measures of phenomena, the qualitative research focuses...
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...which has resulted in an emphasis on quantitative research methods, centred on collection of numerical data and statistical analysis (the empirical approach). However, since the 1960s there has been increasing criticism of such reliance on the quantitative data-collection characteristics of the scientific method, which has developed over subsequent decades into a strong shift towards more qualitative approaches. This has led to the somewhat inevitable, yet ultimately unhelpful, divide between competing methods: quantitative versus qualitative. According to Bauer, et al (2000), quantitative research deals with numbers, makes use of statistical models to explain the data and is considered ‘hard’ research, whereas qualitative research avoids numbers, involves interpretation of social realities and is considered ‘soft research. Both approaches, however, have their strengths and weaknesses. The strengths of quantitative research, as outlined by Burns (2000), includes precision and control – precision is achieved through quantitative and reliable measurement, control through sampling and design. Further, “experimentation leads to statements about causation” in that the systematic manipulation of a variable, in an environment where other variables have been eliminated or controlled, can be shown to have a direct causal effect on another. Finally, quantitative data allows statistical analysis. Coolican (1999) points out that the pure quantitative position deems measurement to be fundamental...
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...Qualitative research is a different approach to problem solving than quantitative research. The primary difference is in how a problem is approached. In the qualitative realm the method is primarily exploratory in nature. The researcher gradually delves deeper into the subject until reaching a core of information that can be used to implement problem solving. Qualitative research often depends on in depth interviews with small groups of individuals where quantitative method can take vast amounts of information, sometimes from millions of people and quantify it into trends that can improve medical practices over the norm. The purpose of Qualitative research is to gain an understanding of underlying reasons and motivations as well as to provide insights into the setting of a problem, generating ideas and/or hypotheses for later quantitative research and to uncover prevalent trends in thought and opinion. The advantage includes testing and validating already constructed theories about how and why phenomena occur, testing hypotheses that are constructed before the data are collected. It is used to generalize research findings when the data are based on random samples of sufficient size and generalize a research finding when it has been replicated on many different populations and subpopulations. It is useful for obtaining data that allow quantitative predictions to be made. Data collection using some quantitative methods is relatively quick (e.g., telephone interviews). It...
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...Qualitative research is a different approach to problem solving than quantitative research. The primary difference is in how a problem is approached. In the qualitative realm the method is primarily exploratory in nature. The researcher gradually delves deeper into the subject until reaching a core of information that can be used to implement problem solving. Qualitative research often depends on in depth interviews with small groups of individuals where quantitative method can take vast amounts of information, sometimes from millions of people and quantify it into trends that can improve medical practices over the norm. The purpose of Qualitative research is to gain an understanding of underlying reasons and motivations as well as to provide insights into the setting of a problem, generating ideas and/or hypotheses for later quantitative research and to uncover prevalent trends in thought and opinion. The advantage includes testing and validating already constructed theories about how and why phenomena occur, testing hypotheses that are constructed before the data are collected. It is used to generalize research findings when the data are based on random samples of sufficient size and generalize a research finding when it has been replicated on many different populations and subpopulations. It is useful for obtaining data that allow quantitative predictions to be made. Data collection using some quantitative methods is relatively quick (e.g., telephone interviews). It...
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...Quantitative research methods in educational planning Series editor: Kenneth N.Ross Module John Izard 7 Trial testing and item analysis in test construction UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning Quantitative research methods in educational planning These modules were prepared by IIEP staff and consultants to be used in training workshops presented for the National Research Coordinators who are responsible for the educational policy research programme conducted by the Southern and Eastern Africa Consortium for Monitoring Educational Quality (SACMEQ). The publication is available from the following two Internet Websites: http://www.sacmeq.org and http://www.unesco.org/iiep. International Institute for Educational Planning/UNESCO 7-9 rue Eugène-Delacroix, 75116 Paris, France Tel: (33 1) 45 03 77 00 Fax: (33 1 ) 40 72 83 66 e-mail: information@iiep.unesco.org IIEP web site: http://www.unesco.org/iiep September 2005 © UNESCO The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout the publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning its frontiers or boundaries. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means: electronic, magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without...
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...Honolulu University 2015 Exploring Different Data Collection Methods Statistical Methods in Business & Economics (BUS405) Ching Sum Jessie Ha (80600402) Honolulu University 2015 Exploring Different Data Collection Methods Statistical Methods in Business & Economics (BUS405) Ching Sum Jessie Ha (80600402) Introduction Data is collected to learn the effectiveness of a particular tool in preventing defects or to look into the cause of a particular defect (Burrill, Ledolter, p.381). Data removes the trepidation and uncertainty of an unknown element. One reason for collecting data is to gain an understanding of the data by organizing and graphing the individual values (Albert, Rossman, p.1). Secondly, and most importantly, collecting data helps draw conclusions about a larger group of information (Albert, Rossman, p.1). There are other reasons to collect data. Data also helps people to understand the processes with which they work. Data can also be collected for the purpose of process control. Numerous manufacturing processes use feedback data to adjust an input, such as temperature, in order to keep the output at the desired level. Feedback data from quality control activities can be used to make adjustments that result in more products meeting their requirements (Burrill, Ledolter, p.381). Data can also be used to improve processes with the intent of increasing productivity. ‘Data is nothing, unless interpreted and turned into useful information.’ Data...
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...Human Service and Research Methods Throughout the numerous human service fields, research is necessary from determining risk to providing solutions. The correct research method increases the ability to make the proper decisions for each situation. The scientific method is one many people learn early in life because this method increases understanding and answers many questions throughout the numerous fields. As a social science many questions need answers, the scientific method assists researchers in discovering these answers. A clear comprehension of the quantitative and qualitative methods allows researchers to know when to use what method. At times both these methods are necessary, knowledge about how and when to incorporate the mixed method is essential. An understanding of the different methods and how they can influence the functions within the human service field is crucial. Scientific Method “The scientific method is the basic method, guide, and system by which we originate, refine, extend, and apply knowledge in all fields,” (Edmund, 2011, What is the Scientific Method, Para. 4). The text (Creswell, 2008, p. 51) sums these stages into six areas of focus; “identifying the research question, reviewing the literature, specifying a purpose, collecting data, analyzing data, and evaluating research.” The scientific method allows researchers to address many common questions, reach beyond other conclusions, and by using empirical reasoning to decide what is true, (Rosnow...
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............................ 1 2 Research Methodology ......................................................................................... 1 2.1 Definition of Research Methodology............................................................. 1 2.2 Qualitative versus Quantitative Research Methodologies ............................. 2 2.3 The author’s research philosophy .................................................................. 3 3 Quantitative Methods............................................................................................ 4 4 Example for the Conduction of Quantitative Research ........................................ 5 5 Conclusion ............................................................................................................ 7 Appendix.................................................................................................................. 9 Bibliography .......................................................................................................... 11 1 1 Introduction Research methodology is very important because research is used in most professions as well as in science.1 Managers for example need research to achieve information about the customers and the market they intend to advertise their goods and services before making any kind of decision.2 Researchers and academics apply research methodology to gather new knowledge and information. But often the meaning of research methodology, especially methodology...
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...The key characteristics and differences of research methodologies The methodologies used in research include qualitative, quantitative, mixed, and action research. First, mixed methodology entails the combination of the compilation and analysis of both qualitative and qualitative statistics. Second, action research is an informal methodology that obliges all the partakers to be mutual researchers. Qualitative and quantitative research methodologies are the prevailing methods in research at present (Austin, 1978). Qualitative research methodology obtains an approach to evaluating information that looks at connotation rather than numbers. The statistics, therefore, normally consist of non-numerical data such as words or metaphors. Qualitative research is unbolt and receptive to its subject. There are various key characteristics of this research method. First, the perspective of investigation is not artificial; they are natural. Nonentity is undermined or taken for granted. Second, actions can be understood effectively only if they are spotted in context. Consequently, a qualitative researcher submerges in the setting. Under this method, interviews and observations are the most suitable strategies to be used. Quantitative research methods advance research in a different way and scrutinize the data based on figures and statistics, the consequential data is principally statistical (Trochim & Donnelly, 2006). It entails those methodologies, which include surveys, interviews, and...
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...NRS-433V Week 2 Research Summary and Ethical Considerations To purchase this tutorial visit here: http://mindsblow.us/question_des/NRS-433VWeek2ResearchSummaryandEthicalConsiderations/2853 contact us at: help@mindblows.us NRS-433V Week 2 Research Summary and Ethical Considerations Select either the qualitative or quantitative study method for this assignment. In an essay of 750-1,000 words, summarize the study, explain the ways in which the findings might be used in nursing practice, and address any ethical considerations associated with the conduct of the study. Refer to Resource Research Summary and Ethical Considerations Guidelines for suggested headings for your paper. Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required. NRS-433V Week 2 Research Summary and Ethical Considerations To purchase this tutorial visit here: http://mindsblow.us/question_des/NRS-433VWeek2ResearchSummaryandEthicalConsiderations/2853 contact us at: help@mindblows.us NRS-433V Week 2 Research Summary and Ethical Considerations Select either the qualitative or quantitative study method for this assignment. In an essay of 750-1,000 words, summarize the study, explain the ways in which the findings might be used in nursing practice, and address any ethical considerations associated with the conduct of the study. Refer to Resource Research Summary and Ethical Considerations Guidelines for...
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...Quantitive and qualitative research paper BSHS/435 January 11 2016 Quantitive and qualitative research paper Introduction In this essay, I will define appropriate academic research and what that means, I will describe quantitative research, and qualitative of research explaining how they are different and how they relate to one another, human service field, and a scientific method. I will also describe how to decide whether to use quantitative or qualitative research mythology I will provide examples of what sort of study is appropriate for each mythology and I will explain why I chose those examples. I will also define mixed method research and describes drinks, overbite an example of what is appropriate to apply mixed methods research in the human service field I will also identify an ethical issue in research. Appropriate academic research "Research is a systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interrupting information parentheses data parentheses in order to increase our understanding of a phenomenon about which we are into interested or concerned" (Leedy, P. D., & Ormrod, J. E. (2010). As students will use academic research to answer the questions that we do not know to have a better understanding for a topic and clarity on subjects that we are learning in school. The research allows us not to make assumptions about something that we do not know, but it said have clarity on what it truly is. I could not make research improve the knowledge for students...
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...Roberts Student Number: Word count: 1,289 There has been an ongoing paradigm debate between quantitative and qualitative research amongst social scientists for a number of years. Qualitative Research is a particularly new concept developed to obtain and analyse data however many researchers are yet to take a liking to this concept (Bryman, 1984). Qualitative research refers to studies that are conducted in natural settings and include participant observation, focus groups and in-depth interviews. (Whitley & Crawford, 2005). These techniques provide a strong insight into how participants view events and experiences to obtain a deeper meaning into the area being studied (Willig, 2001). Quantitative research focuses on the Scientific Method which is based on a series of steps that are followed systematically to acquire data such as experiments that are then analysed and presented into numerical form. This essay will examine both research paradigms while also determining the epistemological underpinnings that determines the methods used to collect and analyse data. Qualitative researchers are mainly concerned with the social world and the influence of events and experiences that has on an individual’s perspective of the world. These researchers are not concerned with answering a specific question, more so to develop a rich understanding of a certain topic mainly through the methods of in-depth interviews, participant observation and focus groups. In-depth interviews provide...
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...Research Process and Terminology Paper CJA/334 (UOPX) Page 1 Research Methods and Terminology Research methods play an important role in the criminal justice system today. Effective research methods have the ability to open and close cases. Those interested in the criminal justice field have a wide range of research methods at their disposal. The terminology involved is also a very important aspect when used in the study of criminology and criminal justice. This paper will explore some of the various research methods that are applied to the criminal justice system and explain how the knowledge of the terminology involved can be a valuable tool within these methods of research. Empirical Research in Criminal Justice Although research in criminal justice varies considerably, there are five general steps that are followed in order to conduct research. The first step is called problem formulation. This is the selection and specification of the area that will be investigated. The next step is research design which is the type of experimental or non-experimental approach, with the use of control groups and studying group(s) at one time or over a period of time. The third step is data collection methods which give a choice of various methods to be used such as observation, questionnaires, or interviews. The fourth step is analysis and presentation of findings which is to summarize report and when necessary statistically analyze and present findings. The fifth step...
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...Understanding Business Research Terms & Concepts: Part 1 RES 351 To some extent all research may be approached either quantitatively or qualitatively. Everything is determined by the researcher’s primary aim. Are they fascinated in a methodical strategy, as a way to generate similar, generalized information, or do they desire to make a narrative of a special instance/scenario/circumstance? Each choice requires various kinds of preparation, which might best be accompanied by a special research design. However, mixture or mixed strategy approaches show to be very helpful in many scenarios, and appear to fix several of the difficulties, which appear from embracing an individual methodological strategy. According to Cooper & Schindler (2014), “Managers basically do business research to understand how and why things happen. If the manager needs to know only what happened, or how often things happened, quantitative research methodologies would serve the purpose. But to understand the different meanings that people place on their experiences often requires research techniques that delve more deeply into people’s hidden interpretations, understandings, and motivations. Qualitative research is designed to tell the researcher how (process) and why (meaning) things happen as they do (Ch. 7, pg 144)”. Strengths and Weaknesses Qualitative techniques are usually rich in story and description, and rather of supplying a result they have a tendency to discuss the procedure...
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...dissertation, so this section discusses the types of research you might undertake for your dissertation. The use of literature and case studies is considered and the merits of primary research are debated and advice is given on the use of existing research data. You may not be fond of statistics, but the potential relevance of a quantitative approach should be considered and similarly, the idea of qualitative analysis and conducting your own research may yield valuable data. The possibilities of using quantitative and qualitative data are also discussed. What approach should I take - qualitative or quantitative? Your approach, research design, and research question are all connected. 'Approach' means something more than the type of data you use – it refers to your overall orientation to research and the type of claims you will make for your study. Dissertations can be based on either quantitative or qualitative data, or on a combination of both. How you choose this may depend on your preferences and abilities, and the suitability of particular approaches to your topic. You need to be able to justify why you have chosen to use such data. Quantitative data is particularly useful when you wish to discover how common particular forms of behaviour such as illegal drug use are for a particular age group. Qualitative data is particularly useful when you wish to find out why people engage in such behaviour. Think about the Research Methods modules you have taken so far. Think about the...
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