Research Methodologies

Paper Summary:

This paper compares and contrasts criteria taken to ensure that the conduct of a research project is systematic and rigorous. It discusses the following four approaches: predictive, interpretative, emancipatory and deconstructive research approaches. The paper then examines the epistemology of each of the research approaches discussed.

Table of Contents:
Four Research Approaches
Predictive Research Approach
Interpretative Research Approach
Emancipatory Research Approach
Deconstructive Research Approach
Epistemology of the Research Approaches

From the Paper:

"However, a prediction makes use of events in the past as well as numerical extrapolations that may support the validity of its finding. The interpretative, deconstructive, and emancipatory approaches increase their validity by the amount of discourse they engage in before a consensus is made. In emancipatory approach, it further validates its findings by putting its theories into practical approach. If the theory does not work in practical application, researchers again conduct a study to modify or change their theory. The interpretative approach validates its findings by ensuring that all participants as well as existing relevant literature are correlated. A deconstructive approach is also validated by the fact that its findings are taken from a discourse among groups."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Amapedia. (4 Feb 2008). Qualitative Research. [Online.] Retrieved 22 March 2008 from the Web site: http://amapedia.amazon.com/view/Qualitative+Research/id=96409.
• Bernsten, K. E., Sampson, J., and Osterlie, T. (2005). "Interpretative research methods in computer science." (Method Essay, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.) [Online.] Retrieved 20 March 2008 from the Web site: http://www.idi.ntnu.no/~thomasos/paper/interpretive.pdf.
• Center for Science, Policy, and Outcomes. (2007). Predictions: July 1997 Workshop: Background. [Online.] Retrieved 24 March 2008 from the Web site: http://sciencepolicy.colorado.edu/about_us/meet_us/roger_pielke/prediction/report1/background.html.
• Cummings, J.L. (2004). "Alzheimer's disease." New England Journal of Medicine, 351, 56-67.
• Kvale, S. (1999). "The Social Construction of Validity." Qualitative Inquiry, 1(1): 19-40.

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