...The purpose of this qualitative case study is to examine what contributes persistence of single parents pursuing a college degree. Qualitative methods like case studies are ideal to explore topics where little is known, to make sense of complex situations, to gain new insights about phenomena, construct themes in order to explain phenomena, and to ultimately foster a deeper understanding of the phenomena (Smith &Becker, 2008, p. 3). Qualitative research methods give insight on the direct experiences of participants. Therefore, this study utilizes a qualitative case study to explore the influence of persistence on single parents' to obtain a higher education degree. Design This study will use a qualitative case study design. A qualitative...
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...homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/jom Qualitative case studies in operations management: Trends, research outcomes, and future research implications Mark Barratt, Thomas Y. Choi ∗ , Mei Li Department of Supply Chain Management, W. P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4706, United States a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t Our study examines the state of qualitative case studies in operations management. Five main operations management journals are included for their impact on the field. They are in alphabetical order: Decision Sciences, International Journal of Operations and Production Management, Journal of Operations Management, Management Science, and Production and Operations Management. The qualitative case studies chosen were published between 1992 and 2007. With an increasing trend toward using more qualitative case studies, there have been meaningful and significant contributions to the field of operations management, especially in the area of theory building. However, in many of the qualitative case studies we reviewed, sufficient details in research design, data collection, and data analysis were missing. For instance, there are studies that do not offer sampling logic or a description of the analysis through which research outcomes are drawn. Further, research protocols for doing inductive case studies are much better developed compared to the research protocols for doing deductive case studies. Consequently, there is a lack of...
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...Chapter 2: QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS If the focus of your study is the examination of documents, than you should have access to such material which may include letters, memos, notes, diaries, photographs, audiotapes, videotapes, films, articles, books, manuscripts, e-mails, online discussions and so forth. In general documents are any preserved recording of a person’s thoughts, actions or creations (Potter, 1996). The examination of documents is especially important to historians who investigate patterns and trends from the past. Documents may be examined to investigate patterns and trends of the past as is commonly done by historians. If no humans remain alive to provide primary evidence, then documents are the in only source of data (Potter, 1996). Documents are also examined by researchers who are investigating subjects who are available. The examination of documents may also provide confirmatory evidence of the information obtained from interviews and observations. For example, Bodroghkozy (1985) examined 42 letters written to her from viewers on their reaction to the TV series “Dallas”. Imagine that you want to find out what goes on in the teachers’ lounge or staff room. You could interview those involved, or maybe even send out a questionnaire. Using the interview or the questionnaire, you would be getting what people thought about what was going on. Sometimes, the best way to gain a ‘rich picture’ of a setting such as the staff room, the school canteen...
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...The Qualitative Report Volume 8 Number 3 September 2003 447-461 http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/QR8-3/mccaslin.pdf The Five-Question Method For Framing A Qualitative Research Study Mark L. McCaslin University of Idaho, Idaho Falls, Idaho, USA Karen Wilson Scott University of Idaho, Idaho Falls, Idaho, USA The Five-Question Method is an approach to framing Qualitative Research, focusing on the methodologies of five of the major traditions in qualitative research: biography, ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory, and case study. Asking Five Questions, novice researchers select a methodology appropriate to the desired perspective on the selected topic. The Method facilitates identifying and writing a Problem Statement. Through taking a future perspective, the researcher discovers the importance and direction of the study and composes a Purpose Statement. The process develops an overarching research question integrating the purpose and the research problem. The role of the researcher and management of assumptions and biases is discussed. The Five-Question Method simplifies the framing process promoting quality in qualitative research design. A course outline is appended. Key words: Qualitative Research, Five-Question Method, Biography Research, Phenomenology Research, Grounded Theory Research, Case Study Research, and Ethnography Research Introduction Planning a qualitative study for the first time tends to be an intimidating venture for graduate students just entering...
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...Quantitative Vs. Qualitative Research Name University Affiliation Course Tutor Date Quantitative research is a logically observed examination of observable phenomena through the mathematical and statistical approach. The quantitative research goal is to formulate and employ mathematical theories, hypotheses and mathematical models relating to the phenomena. Quantitative research central process is measurement as it offers the essential linkage involving relationships. The research has data that is in numerical terms like percentages and statistics. The researcher evaluates the data with the aid of statistics hoping the number will yield an impartial outcome that can be used in generalizing a huge population (Patten, 2009). Quantitative research is applicable in the studies interested in establishing the impact of a hand-washing curriculum on grade school children. It applies to such example because quantitative research tests theory, its cause and the effect of the theory correlation. Quantitative research is an outstanding approach to finalizing outcomes and attesting an assumption. The method is standard across numerous scientific field and discipline because its structure has not changed. The approach leads to a comprehensive solution that can be discussed and published subsequent to a statistical examination of results. The design experiments filter out exterior factors when appropriately structured leading to acquiring...
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...use a study to determine how reliable and valid it is, justify answer Reliability is the degree to which an assessment tool produces stable and consistent results. Validity refers to how well a test measures what it is purported to measure. Bartlett, 1932 Reliability Did more than one person record and interpret the data, and do they agree? If you use the same methods again in the same situation, do you get the same results? No, when the experiment was replicated (better controlled) many of the errors in peoples recalling was not found even though the same kinds of errors remained. Validity: Methodological issues * Did not ask participants to be as accurate as possible * Didn’t care much about the environment in which the experiment was conducted Define qualitative and quantitative research, then compare and contrast them, strengths and limitations of qualitative research Quantitative: Explaining a phenomenon by collecting quantitative (numerical) data that are analysed using mathematically based methods such as statistics. Qualitative: Instead of testing, measuring, and experimenting, qualitative research aims at understanding the subject of study …the process of understanding a social or human phenomenon, based on methodological research traditions. Researchers aim at generating a complex, holistic view, at analysing and describing the standpoint of the subjects within a natural context. Quantitative; using numbers Qualitative; descriptions ...
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...Qualitative Research Defining and Designing 1 8 T he qualitative research methods introduced in this book are often employed to answer the whys and hows of human behavior, opinion, and experience— information that is difficult to obtain through more quantitatively-oriented methods of data collection. Researchers and practitioners in fields as diverse as anthropology, education, nursing, psychology, sociology, and marketing regularly use qualitative methods to address questions about people’s ways of organizing, relating to, and interacting with the world. Despite the interdisciplinary recognition of the value of “qualitative research” (or perhaps because of it), qualitative research is not a unified field of theory and practice. On the contrary, a plethora of viewpoints, sometimes diametrically opposed to one another, exist on the subject. Scholars regularly debate about what qualitative research is, how and why it should be conducted, how it should be analyzed, and in what form it should be presented. In fact, fundamental and often heated disagreements about philosophical assumptions and the nature of data exist among qualitative researchers. We don’t pretend to be able to solve any of these controversies. Nor do we suggest one approach or viewpoint is superior to another in the grand scheme of things. How one approaches qualitative research, and research in general, depends on a variety of personal, professional, political, and contextual factors. Ultimately, there...
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...What is A Case Study? Kerry J. Cobb Liberty University PSYCH 255 Introduction to Research 255-D15 LUO Prof. Erik Wiedman April 16, 2014 Introduction to Case Study In this paper, we will discuss what a case study is, reasons for performing case studies and the advantages and disadvantages in using a case study. Many case studies use observational methods classified as primarily quantitative or qualitative. Qualitative focuses on people’s behavior in their natural setting, where as quantitative focuses on behaviors that are counted. What is a Case Study? A case study is the way we describe a specific study of concern in individuals whether it’s their behavior, past history, symptoms, responses and reactions to treatment or any other factor that is relevant to the study. Though some case studies normally include individuals, they also can be in places such as “a business, school or neighborhood” (Ch.6, Pg.121). Case studies can also be performed over the telephone or in library research involving no direct contact in the visual observation of an individual. What are some reasons for using a case study approach? A case study typically is performed on individuals with rare and unusual conditions. This in-depth study is particularly useful when we need to obtain an in-depth appreciation of an issue, event or phenomenon of interest. The study can be in its natural setting or in a real life context. The main purpose is to obtain a great deal of information about...
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...research method(s) is/are appropriate for the development of knowledge in a given study. In order to conduct and evaluate any research, it is therefore important to know what these assumptions are. This chapter discusses the philosophical assumptions and also the design strategies underpinning this research study. Common philosophical assumptions were reviewed and presented; the interpretive paradigm was identified for the framework of the study. In addition, the chapter discusses the research methodologies, and design used in the study including strategies, instruments, and data collection and analysis methods, while explaining the stages and processes involved in the study. The research design for this study is a descriptive and interpretive case study that is analysed through qualitative methods. Questionnaires were used to evaluate participants’ WebCT skills (before the course starts) and to determine their levels of satisfaction in the course (at the end of the case study). A descriptive statistical method was used to analyze the student satisfaction survey. Participant observation, face-to-face interviews, focus-group interviews, questionnaires, and member checking were used as data collection methods. Furthermore, the justification for each of the data collection methods used in the study was discussed. Finally, in order to ensure trustworthiness of the research, appropriate criteria for qualitative research were discussed, and several methods that include member checks, peer...
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...Statement 1 Proverbs 25:2 says,"It is the glory of God to conseal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out. " Qualitative research focuses on deeper issues and asked the questions of how, when and why people do things. Quantitative research behaves in a quantified since and assigns numerical values to responses and measure statics. With this said Proverbs, the bible verse, supports that research methods can be Godly. I interpret that verse as meaning that it is important to know and confirm in your mind that you know something, but it is better to research the topic in a biblical since rather thas a secular or worldly since. the glory of kings is researching and becomeing stronger on a topic. Pshycologists often study peoples behavior in how and why they do things. These psycologists can us Qualitative research to learn how to tell why people do the things they do. Statement 2 Romans 12:2 says,"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. In Quantitative research people study others behavior based on statics and numbers. Research methods can be ungodly because like the verse discribed, we are not suppost to conform to the patterns on this worl we live in. With quantitative reseach it is easy to follow the crowd and look at the statoics of what everyone else is going. The staticas give the answers to Peoples behaivio...
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...Qualitative Approaches to Classroom Research 1 Qualitative Approaches to Classroom Research with English Language Learners Patricia A. Duff University of British Columbia Address: Department of Language & Literacy Education University of British Columbia 2125 Main Mall Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4 Canada Courier: 2034 Lower Mall Road University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2 Canada Qualitative Approaches to Classroom Research 2 ABSTRACT This chapter provides an overview of recent qualitative research in classrooms examining English language learners (ELLs). I first present common features of qualitative research and review debates regarding research paradigms in the social sciences and humanities. I also discuss the role of triangulation and capturing participants’ insider or emic perspectives in qualitative research and highlight various data collection methods and ways of combining macro-level and micro-level analyses, particularly in ethnographic research. Ethical issues, difficulties obtaining informed consent in classroom research, and criteria for evaluating qualitative research are then considered. Three qualitative studies that have been deemed exemplary and meritorious by scholars in English language education are then presented and some common themes in current qualitative classroom research with ELLs are identified. The chapter concludes with directions for future qualitative research. Introduction Over the past 2 decades, research...
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...8725 AR.qxd 25/08/2010 16:36 Page 1 1 Introduction to quantitative research 1.1. What is quantitative research? Research methods in education (and the other social sciences) are often divided into two main types: quantitative and qualitative methods. This book will discuss one of these two main strands: ‘quantitative methods’, and what distinguishes quantitative from qualitative methods. When you think of quantitative methods, you will probably have specific things in mind. You will probably be thinking of statistics, numbers, and many of you may be feeling somewhat apprehensive because you think quantitative methods are difficult. Apart from the last one, all these thoughts capture some of the essence of quantitative methods. The following definition, taken from Aliaga and Gunderson (2000), describes what we mean by quantitative research methods very well: Quantitative research is ‘Explaining phenomena by collecting numerical data that are analysed using mathematically based methods (in particular statistics)’. Let’s go through this definition step by step. The first element is explaining phenomena. This is a key element of all research, be it quantitative or qualitative. When we set out to do some research, we are always looking to explain something. In education, this could be questions like ‘why do teachers leave teaching?’, ‘what factors influence pupil achievement?’, and so on. The specificity of quantitative research lies in the next part of the definition. In quantitative...
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...UNDERSTANDING QUALITATIVE RESEARCH Qualitative research, also called interpretive research or field research, is a methodology that has been borrowed from disciplines like sociology and anthropology and adapted to educational settings. Qualitative researchers, as you already have learned, use the inductive method of reasoning and strongly believe that there are multiple perspectives to be uncovered. Qualitative researchers focus on the study of social phenomena and on giving voice to the feelings and perceptions of the participants under study. This is based on the belief that knowledge is derived from the social setting and that understanding social knowledge is a legitimate scientific process. The following are the key characteristics of qualitative research: • Studies are carried out in a naturalistic setting. • Researchers ask broad research questions designed to explore, interpret, or understand the social context. • Participants are selected through nonrandom methods based on whether the individuals have information vital to the questions being asked. • Data collection techniques involve observation and interviewing that bring the researcher in close contact with the participants. • The researcher is likely to take an interactive role where she or he gets to know the participants and the social context in which they live. • Hypotheses are formed afterthe researcher begins data collection and are modified throughout the study as new data are collected and analyzed...
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...International Security and Conflict Research Methods Assignment In the field of political and international relations studies, there are two broad types of research methods, which include and combine various research methods, based on its designs and core principles, and they are quantitative and qualitative research methods. Also, there is the third one, called experimental research method, which does not fit into qualitative and quantitative methods, but rather constitutes separate research design, although it might be based on qualitative and quantitative methods’ tools and theories. Quantitative research methods include many particular techniques and in general could be described as methods, which works with numbers and applies statistical analysis by using various mathematical operations with formulas and computer software. The usage of surveys and various types of databases are examples of quantitative methods. Scientists conduct surveys either in person, or through telephones, mail or internet to collect data concerning people’s opinion and attitudes about particular events in politics and international relations (Box-Steffensmeier, 2008, p. 9-10). Then, gathered information could be analyzed through the coding of data into numbers and application of tools of statistical analysis on them. Surveys allowed scientists to form databases from the collected data that made it possible to share databases with other scientists, especially with the emergence of internet, test...
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...Analyze data (in a manner appropriate to the problem) 5. Draw conclusions (make generalizations based on results of analysis) The Validity of Educational Research Quantitative Research: Internal Validity - the extent to which research results can be accurately interpreted. External Validity - the extent to which research results can be generalized to populations and conditions. Internal validity is generally prerequisite to external validity. Qualitative Research: Truth Value/ Credibility - accurate representation of information from the researcher’s perspective and substantiating evidence) Comparability - the extent to which the characteristics of the research are described so that other researchers may use the results to extend knowledge. Translatability - the extent to which adequate theoretical constructs and research procedures are used so that other researchers can understand the results. ! Validity is always a matter of degree--perfect internal and external validity in a study is almost impossible. The researcher must seek a useful balance between internal validity (ability to interpret results with reasonable certainty) and external validity (ability to generalize information obtained). The Reliability of Educational Research Quantitative Research: Reliability - the...
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