...Essay 1 – Research methods and Methodological Perspectives Different philosophical foundation create a division in social research methods into two key approaches namely qualitative method which is associated with interprevitism and quantitative methods which is associated with positivism. The main difference between these methodological approaches is that qualitative research is about the expression of meaning. Bowling 2002 defines qualitative research as a “method of naturalistic enquiry which is usually less obtrusive than quantitative investigations and does not manipulate a research setting.”(Bowling 2002). It is as a result of this naturalistic enquiry that feelings or expressions are derived in relation to a particular issue. This process of expressing feelings or thoughts is also known as Phenomenology. Bowling 2002 quoting Smart 1976 states that phenomenology is “based on the paradigm that reality is multiple and socially constructed through the interaction of individuals who use symbols to interpret each other and assign meanings to perceptions and experience; these are not imposed by external forces”. (Bowling 2002). Through the phenomology process research is interactive with the respondent and researcher and is performed through open-ended, unstructured or participant observation and in-depth interviews. The data is collected through a mutual understanding between the researcher and the respondent. Hence the phenomenology process is commonly called the “naturalistic...
Words: 667 - Pages: 3
...dChapter 2 Methods of Enquiry Psy in Psychology After reading this chapter, you would be able to • • • • • explain the goals and nature of psychological enquiry, understand different types of data used by psychologists, describe some important methods of psychological enquiry, understand the methods of analysing data, and learn about the limitations of psychological enquiry and ethical considerations. Contents Introduction Goals of Psychological Enquiry Steps in Conducting Scientific Research Alternative Paradigms of Research Nature of Psychological Data Some Important Methods in Psychology Observational Method Example of an Experiment (Box 2.1) Experimental Method Correlational Research Survey Research Example of Survey Method (Box 2.2) Psychological Testing Case Study Analysis of Data Quantitative Method Qualitative Method Limitations of Psychological Enquiry Ethical Issues An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea. – Gautam Buddha 22 Psychology Key Terms Summary Review Questions Project Ideas Introduction You have read in the first chapter that psychology is the study of experiences, behaviours, and mental processes. You may now be curious to know how psychologists study these phenomena. In other words, what methods are used to study behaviour and mental processes? Like all scientists, psychologists seek to describe, predict, explain and control what they study. For this, psychologists...
Words: 12111 - Pages: 49
...standard: clinical · research · education Use of constant comparative analysis in qualitative research Hewitt-Taylor J (2001) Use of constant comparative analysis in qualitative research. Nursing Standard. 15, 42, 39-42. Date of acceptance: March 19 2001. Summary This article describes the application of constant comparative analysis, which is one method that can be used to analyse qualitative data. The need for data analysis to be congruent with the overall research design is highlighted. T HE AIM OF qualitative research is to portray the reality of the area under investigation, and to enhance understanding of the situation and the meanings and values attributed to this by individuals; it does not involve the quantification of facts (Rose 1994). Qualitative methods emphasise the value of individual experiences and views, as encountered in real-life situations. This type of investigation is often useful in nursing, as many issues concern the quality of the lived experience of individuals, which cannot be reduced to numerical values using statistical analysis. Sometimes a mixed methodology might be adopted, with elements of qualitative and quantitative enquiry being included in a study. The nature of qualitative enquiry means that volumes of ‘rich’, ‘deep’ data are produced, often from a variety of sources. While not seeking to reduce data to statistical evidence, qualitative data nevertheless requires systematic analysis. Given the volume of data produced...
Words: 3428 - Pages: 14
...collection associated with the aim. (6 marks) State one hypothesis or research question or issue for evaluation that you have investigated in 2(a)(i). Describe one method of primary data collection used in this investigation. (5 marks) You have experienced geography fieldwork as part of the course. Use this experience to answer the following questions. State the aim of the fieldwork investigation. (2 marks) To investigate the changing pattern of sediments across a shingle beach at Bexhill in Sussex. Purpose of investigation: Describe the geographical theory, concept or idea that formed the basis of your fieldwork investigation (3 marks) Describe the purpose of your fieldwork enquiry. (5 marks) Explain the geographical concept, process or theory that underpinned your fieldwork enquiry. (4 marks) We investigated the changing pattern of sediments across a shingle beach at Bexhill in Sussex. We also wanted to know if it displayed the theoretical characteristics as outlined in the theory such as Power’s Scale of Roundness in regard to sphericity and the expected change in size caused by grading as a result of swash and backwash. Theoretically as the distance from the cliff increases we would expect the volume (length x width x depth), to decrease. This is because of the impact of the erosive process of attrition caused by the swash and backwash of the waves which reduces the volume of the material. Additionally we would expect sphericity to change from a more angular...
Words: 3087 - Pages: 13
... Albert Einstein Mixed methods research is fast becoming recognised as a third major research approach or paradigm alongside qualitative and quantitative research. Its philosophy is pragmatic, and in general terms it is an approach which attempts to acknowledge several perspectives, viewpoints and angles. Research methods are a fundamental component of the social sciences which facilitate the understanding of human behaviour. Grinnell (1993, as cited in Kumar, 2005, p.95) defines research as being a “careful, systematic, patient study and investigation in some field of knowledge, undertaken to establish facts or principles”. Grinnell also adds that research is a structured inquiry which employs scientific methodology for problem solving and creating new knowledge. This paper will critically discuss the nature and design of mixed methods research. The essay begins by defining mixed methods before giving an outline of the quantitative and qualitative approaches followed by a discussion on the debate surrounding the multi-strategy approach. Multi-strategy research attempts to combine methods from the positivist- quantitative and the interpretive- qualitative paradigms. Both numerical data, a result of quantitative enquiry and narrative data, a result of qualitative enquiry are collected and analysed with the aim of trying to answer a specific research question. This type of integration may also be referred to as multi-strategy research...
Words: 2295 - Pages: 10
...is a philosophy where science is specified as a keystone and the researchers concentrate on the scientific facts and mathematical data’s to arrive at a decision. In this approach the role of the researcher is limited to data collection and interpretation through objective approach and the research findings are usually observable and quantifiable.(Williams,2011) Interpretivism: Interpretivism also known as Interpretivist integrates human interest into study. “Interpretivism studies generate qualitative primary data of a high level of validity but a low level of reliability that is empathetic in nature that cannot be generalized as the data is heavily impacted by personal viewpoints and values” (Williams, 2011). Realism: realism is a philosophical approach which relates to scientific enquiry. It is similar to positivism and is more quantitative rather than qualitative....
Words: 1583 - Pages: 7
...Introduction This paper will critically evaluate the two research approaches outlined by Admiraal and Wubbels (2005) within the context of my own research project. As a current practitioner in a primary school, I have chosen to focus my area of enquiry on the development of children’s literacy, specifically learning to read. My research will also be linked to the recent educational focus on closing the attainment gap between children from deprived backgrounds and those from wealthier families. (Sosu and Ellis, 2014, Save the Children, 2014). The main research question is: How does poverty and deprivation impact on children's ability to read well? By evaluating the two approaches, I will explore the relevance of each one in terms of my own project, before concluding which approach I feel is best suited for me to carry out my own research....
Words: 1090 - Pages: 5
...under certainty, uncertainty and risk; decision tree construction and analysis; network models; PERT and CPA business forecasting models; and computer application. Examples of qualitative methods include: * action research aims to contribute both to the practical concerns of people in an immediate problematic situation and to the goals of social science by joint collaboration within a mutually acceptable ethical framework; * case study research - a case study is an empirical enquiry that investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context; * ethnography- the ethnographer immerses her/himself in the life of people s/he studies and seeks to place the phenomena studied in its social and cultural context. However examples of quantitative methods now well accepted in the social sciences and education include: * surveys; * laboratory experiments; * formal methods such as econometrics: * numerical methods such as mathematical modelling. Quantitative Techniques. Quantitative techniques are mathematical and statistical models describing a diverse array of variables’ relationships, and are designed to assist administrators with management problem-solving and decision-making (Naude, Stray, & Wegner, 1991). Quantitative Techniques with support of qualitative factors is necessary....
Words: 475 - Pages: 2
...4/8/2014 4/8/2014 Assignment of research methodology Qualitative and quantitative Assignment of research methodology Qualitative and quantitative Research: Noun: 1. The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. Verb: 1. Investigate systematically. Definitions: John .W. Best: Research is a systematic and objective analysis and recording of controlled observations that may lead to the development of generalizations, principles, theories and concepts, resulting in prediction for seeing and possibly ultimate control of events. Clifford woody: Research is a careful enquiry or examination in seeking facts or principles, a diligent investigation to ascertain something. Methodology: is the systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study, or the theoretical analysis of the body of methods and principles associated with a branch of knowledge. It, typically, encompasses concepts such as paradigm, theoretical model, phases and quantitative or qualitative techniques. Research methodology: The process used to collect information and data for the purpose of making business decisions. The methodology may include publication research, interviews, surveys and other research techniques, and could include both present and historical information. THE PURPOSE OF RESEARCH: The main purpose and role of research is to help plan and...
Words: 2030 - Pages: 9
...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 Strengths of Qualitative Research * Issues can be examined in detail and in depth. * Interviews are not restricted to specific questions and can be guided/redirected by the researcher in real time. * The research framework and direction can be quickly revised as new information emerges. * The data based on human experience that...
Words: 1007 - Pages: 5
...HCBA 3221: International Business Management Group 1 Topic 2: International Business Research Peter Chege HD 333-1080/2015 Peninah Nyutu HD 333-1088/2015 Submitted to Dr. Oloko October 2015 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS RESEARCH What is international Business? * Is a business where transactions occur across the borders What is research? * Research - is a process of inquiring. It is a systematic search for information. It also means carrying out a diligent enquiry or critical examination of a given phenomena * Research remains the most efficient and reliable source of knowledge. What is International business research? * International business research has been described as the objective, systematic, testable process for obtaining knowledge about our world. * International market research is a particular discipline of Market research that focuses on marketing across the borders. It is mainly concerned with consumer goods, resources or services within a business value, which is commercially utilized and further processed. * International market research covers cross-country issues. * International business has existed as a distinct field and a unique discipline. * Research in international business shows a clear dichotomy between focus on activities that cross open national boundaries and activities that are aimed at surmounting the barriers imposed by Governments. Why conduct international business research? (a) Concept...
Words: 1138 - Pages: 5
...BRM 1. What is a research paradigm?positivism?interpretivism? A research paradigm is a philosophical framework that guides how scientific research should be conducted. Positivism is underpinned by the belief that reality is independent of us and the goal is the discovery of theories, based on empirical research (observation and experiment).positivism is associated with quantitative methods of analysis. INTERPRETIVISM Interpretivism is underpinned by the belief that social reality is not objective but highly subjective because it is shaped by our perceptions. interpretivism focuses on exploring the complexity of social phenomena with a view to gaining interpretive understanding. interpretivists adopt a range of methods that 'seek to describe, translate and otherwise come to terms with the meaning, not the frequency of certain more or less naturally occurring phenomena in the social world'. 2. What is the ontological assumption? ONTOLOGICAL ASSUMPTION The ontological assumption is concerned with the nature of reality: * Positivists believe social reality is objective and external to the researcher. There fore, there is only one reality. * Interpretivists believe that social reality is subjective because it is socially constructed. Therefore, each person has his or her own sense of reality and there are multiple realities. 3. What is the epistemological assumption? EPISTEMOLOGICAL ASSUMPTION The epistemological assumption is concerned with...
Words: 1438 - Pages: 6
...Unit 2 answers: 1. Outline the theory, concept or idea that formed the basis of your fieldwork investigation (aim): The fieldwork investigation took place upon the Glenderaterra Beck River and our aim was to measure and interpret how fluvial channel characteristics changed downstream at our stratified sampling sites in comparison to the Bradshaw Model. This model suggests that as you progress downstream, the discharge increases as erosion widens and deepens the channel. Velocity is also said to increase as tributaries input discharge into the river and friction plays a weaker role so the velocity increases. Load quantity increases additionally as erosion has caused the banks of the river to fall into the channel flow and the higher energy levels enable the river to carry a larger load. It also suggests that pebble roughness and gradient reduces as you progress downstream as lateral erosion comes into play and decreases the steepness of the gradient as well at attrition and abrasion smoothing the edges of rocks and pebbles. We also looked at the Hjulström curve as an additional theory in terms of energy in a river and how this determines whether a river will erode, transport, or deposit sediment. The graph takes sediment particle size and water velocity into account. The upper curve shows the critical erosion velocity in cm/s as a function of particle size in mm, while the lower curve shows the deposition velocity as a function of particle size. Note that the axes are logarithmic...
Words: 3622 - Pages: 15
...Towards a typology for undertaking doctoral research in the built environment Ade Alao Abstract This paper considers issues associated with identifying a typology for doctoral research in the built environment. It argues that a definition of the built environment knowledge base in terms of its constituent subject disciplines is unhelpful for doctoral research as the generation of new knowledge in an interdiscipline requires integration across the various subject disciplines. A typology for research design is identified as being capable of guiding the doctoral researcher but will require further research to tested and verify it’s theoretical and empirical basis. Keywords: Typology, Doctoral Research, Built Environment, Interdisciplinarity 1. Introduction “The built environment disciplines is a term that has come to be used by many UK universities to refer to a range of practice-oriented subjects concerned with the design, development and management of buildings, spaces and places….. …..they are a very heterogeneous collection of fields of study and practice, including architecture, town planning, land and property management, building surveying, construction technology, landscape design, housing policy and management, transport planning and urban regeneration. In some institutions disciplines such as geography and environmental management are also included. As such, they comprise something of a microcosm of the university as a whole, comprising business-oriented...
Words: 3310 - Pages: 14
...A case study is a type of descriptive research looking at individuals or groups of people. According to literature (UKEssays 2011), Yin’s view describes a case study as empirical research that investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real life context. During case studies, data is collected by observing participants or processes or examining records. Case studies can include the participant’s version and conclusions are relevant to the people being observed. Case studies are not appropriate to collect generalized information as case studies tend to explore and describe the activity being observed. Case studies are used more for qualitative research where context is important and where the researched has limited control over...
Words: 2983 - Pages: 12
