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Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research Methods, 2005.
A report on both qualitative and quantitative research methods, their potential problems and limitations as well as their advantages.
6,229 words (approx. 24.9 pages), 35 sources, APA, $ 145.95
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Abstract
This report looks at research methods including the debate between qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and relates these methodologies to the healthcare field in terms of providing cost effective solutions to healthcare problems like Medicare and other problems.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Paradigms and Theoretical Underpinnings
Mixed Methods Research
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The first paradigm considered is logical positivism. This paradigm can roughly be equated as mentioned above with the quantitative approach to research methodology. It is a kind of research that comes from the theory that science is capable of providing definitive and objective statements regarding the proving or disproving of hypotheses, based on proof and deduction as well as statistics and mathematical reasoning. The theoretical underpinnings of logical positivism go back to the early twentieth century reliance on science and mathematical progress to solve the problems of the world, in healthcare and other environments. And logical positivism is still very strong in healthcare research, in terms of clinical trials and new drugs. But it is not as popular in the areas of healthcare the include improving cost effectiveness in government programs, because politics and science don't traditionally tend to travel too closely."
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Golgi in Prion Protein Pathogenesis, 2005.
An NIH-style paper presenting information on prions, pathogenesis and potential treatments.
1,950 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 11 sources, APA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
The paper is written in NIH standard format style. It details a completely novel, potential experiment in determining prion protein pathogenesis by use of the Golgi. The paper outlines the specific aims, the materials and methods, expectations, and future work in a logical order. The purpose of this research is to determine whether or not the Golgi Apparatus is instrumental in facilitating the distribution of infectious prion proteins from infected neurons. It is hypothesized that constitutive exocytosis from the Trans end of the Golgi Apparatus is a vector through which infectious prions exit an infected neuron. It is also hypothesized that chemical inhibition of exocytosis may decrease formation of pathogenic PrPSc from healthy PrPc.
The paper includes figures.
From the Paper
"Steps toward understanding the nature of these dreaded pathogens are extremely important. Many lives may depend on the development of a treatment, since it is unknown how many people may be carrying PrPSc. The death inflicted by prion illnesses is a slow, excruciating, unimaginably frightening ordeal. In addition, infectious prions are extremely resilient, able to withstand temperatures that carbonize meat, sterilizing doses of UV radiation, and standard autoclaving (4). The pathogenic PrPSc protein poses health risks to not only those who consume and work with beef, but also to physicians, nurses, and technicians who may be exposed to potentially-contaminated neurological tissue."
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Spindle Chair Design, 2005.
Describes the method of research into spindle chair construction and design.
2,200 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper describes in detail the procedure for designing and constructing a spindle chair. The paper shows that many things didn't work as planned in the construction process and illustrates them. It also illustrates what went well with the designing and constructing process.
Table of Contents:
Cover Letter
Letter of Transmission (Preface)
Table of Contents
Abstract
Introductions
Article and Literature Review
Construction, Method and Problems Encountered
Conclusion
References
From the Paper
"The type of wood that you use for making the spindles is also very important because grain structure also plays an important role in how strong the chair is. When building chairs there are three things that matter most importantly, strength is key because of all furniture the chair takes the most beating. People like to lean back and rock on the chair and you need to have confidence that the joints that you made will be strong enough to hold the abuse, and because I am making spindle chairs another thing to consider is the durability of each spindle and if put together will it make a sturdy chair."
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The Matching Hypothesis and Infidelity, 2005.
Presents the results of an experiment which combines the matching theory with the studies of infidelity, to determine if there is a causal relationship between the attractiveness level of the male adulterer and that of his mistress.
3,048 words (approx. 12.2 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the result of research which placed 200 male undergraduate participants in a 4x3 mixed factorial design to determine if the physical attractiveness stereotype applied to adultery. Participants were assigned to 4 conditions. Each group was presented with a scenario depicting the character "John" committing adultery with one of 3 women. The first independent variable was the manipulation of the attractiveness level of "John". "John" was presented as either an unattractive, average, or attractive man. A "no picture" group was created to measure the participant's base line response. The participants were then asked to indicate which woman (unattractive, average, or attractive) "John" was having an affair with. The paper shows that results indicated that the matching hypothesis does occur in situations of infidelity. Evolutionary implications and reasoning are also discussed.
Paper Outline:
Abstract
Method
Discussion
Bibliography
From the Paper
"Women look for a man whose appearance indicates a means to acquire resources and the ability to protect/care for any potential offspring (Townsend, 1990). These cues, coming from an evolutionary standpoint, are also very logical. Women have much more at stake than men do when it comes to child bearing. Females seek a mate that exhibits traits that imply that he will be able to provide for her during her pregnancy, since during those 9 months she will be unable to provide for her self (in an ancestral hunter-gatherer society). If the women in question does not embody the traits men find desirable, she will have to look for a man that is lower on the attractiveness ladder."
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The Evolution of Modern Diet, 2005.
Examines existing literature on the relationship between evolution and diet.
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 73.95
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Abstract
The ability of life to adapt to new environments is one of the principle foundations of Natural Selection. The paper shows that, given the great importance of diet on the course of our evolutionary past, it is astounding that more research has not been conducted on the origins of our dieting habits. The literature that has been written on the subject of diet has taken on many forms. Some researchers have focused on the social origins of diet and how it affects different categories of people, while others have focused on the cognitive functions behind different dieting behaviors. This literature review examines some of the past research that has been conducted and attempts to put this research into an evolutionary based frame.
From the Paper
"This model theorizes that females, since females bear young, would establish small groups near a constant food source in order to ensure the health of young offspring. Males, on the other hand, would have a larger territory that would encompass several smaller female groups. Males would roam this territory and be constantly on the move, allowing for males to eat a wider (but less constant) diet. Males would therefore have a predisposition to eat anything that could be eaten, and therefore care less about the "healthy" aspect of the foodstuff. Females, having maintained a constant source of food over several generations, would be more selective with their caloric intake and only choose to eat the healthier foods."
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Critique of Article from "Military Medicine", 2005.
This paper uses a professional critique style to evaluate the research reported in the Trump, Brady, and Olsen's article from "Military Medicine": "Self-Rated Health and Subsequent Health Care Use among Military Personnel Returning...".
2,175 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, although health questionnaires have been used since 1996, little evaluation has been done to determine the usefulness of this information: Trump et al. claim that the United States has endorsed the improvement of health assessments and health surveillance of military members, but there has been some question as to the value of the currently deployment health assessments. The author points out that this study is strengthened by its large sample size and the questionnaire's general assessment of self-rated health, which has been has been widely used as an independent predictor of mortality. The paper states that the limitations of the study include whether or not the items on the questionnaire actually represents information, which leads to increased risk of bad health; the possibility that these questions could be worded to suggest bias and the post-deployment questionnaire has not been widely used.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Introduction
Purpose
Problem
Consistency of Hypothesis with Purpose and Problem; Clarity of Variables
Literature review
Target Population and Sample
Method of Analysis and Findings
Discussion, Conclusions and Implications
Implications and Recommendations
From the Paper
"Trump, Brady & Olsen (2004) stated that the purpose of this study "was to describe the self-rated health of military members who completed postdeployment questionnaires upon return from deployments in 1999 and to examine the associations between self-rated health and subsequent health care use and health outcomes in the six-month period after return from deployment." Although the introduction stated that since the Gulf War veteran health has been receiving more attention because of the increase in health problems, I do not see a real point in determining if self-rated health has a correlation to incidences in hospitalization and doctor's visits. I do not believe that this study answers the "so-what" question."
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Perceived Attractiveness, 2005.
An experiment looking at the effects that personality and appearence have on how people perceive attractiveness.
3,111 words (approx. 12.4 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 90.95
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Abstract
This paper presents an experiment that attempts to determine if personality has a certain role pertaining to evaluating a person's attractiveness or if physical appearance is the determining factor in rating attractiveness. The proposed hypothesis in the paper is that people shown a picture along with a personality profile will rate the individual significantly differently in attractiveness than an individual who is shown only a picture. In the experiment, the dependent variable is attractiveness and the independent variable is a personality profile containing abilities, attitude, traits and background. Participants in the experiment were given a survey that asked them to rate, on a 7 point Likert Scale, how attractive the people in the photographs appeared. Although there was a slight difference between the two sample groups, that difference was not significant.
From the Paper
"In the Noor and Evans (2003) experiment only women photographs were used and a 44-item Big-Five Inventory was used. The statistical analysis used was a one-way test, within-subjects ANOVA. There was a pretest with 57 participants to rate the pictures. The ANOVA revealed no significant main effect manipulation on rating of attractiveness. The pictures of asymmetrical faces were comparably attractive to the pictures of normal and symmetrical faces. Symmetry appeared to have a significant effect on ratings of personality. The experiment established an effect of facial symmetry on personality ratings, but failed to determine if facial symmetry had a significant effect on perceptions of attractiveness. Overall, the experiment supported predictions that facial symmetry affects personality impressions."
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Bed Rest to Prevent Preterm Birth, 2005.
Reviews literature to try and verify the claim that bed rest for pregnant women might prevent miscarriage in high-risk pregnancies.
847 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
Loss of pregnancy before 23 weeks happens in 10 - 20 % of pregnancies. It is associated with chromosomal defects in about one half to one third of the cases. Many interventions are used, but bed rest is the most common. The objective of this review is to evaluate the effect of prescription of bed rest during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage in women at high risk. The paper concludes that although bed rest is widely used to reduce the risk for preterm birth, there is no evidence that this practice is beneficial. Further research evidence is needed to support or refute the efficacy of bed rest in women with high risk for miscarriage.
From the Paper
"Currently there is not enough evidence to support the use of bed rest in multiple fetus pregnancies. Although there is a suggestion that fetal growth is improved, no other risk reduction is evident. For uncomplicated twin pregnancies, the risk is actually increased if bed rest is used. Further research evidence is necessary to be able to recommend this clinical practice."
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The Fate of the Bengal Tiger, 2005.
A look at whether poaching is a significant factor in the fate of the Bengal tiger.
1,798 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
The paper describes computer simulations of four poaching scenarios. The simulation examines the fate of the Bengal tiger under each of these scenarios. The author surveys the potential problems for the survival of the tiger throughout India, focusing on the Khana N.P. reserve. In the paper, the author investigates the fate of the tigers in the Khana N.P. under the tiger conservation plan scheme, in which poaching is prohibited, and contrasts the findings with the fate of the same population under minimal to no protection at all.
From the Paper
"The Indian, or the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris), is one of the most magnificent predators that ever walked our earth. The Historical habitat of this subspecies that ranged throughout India (Damania et al, 2004) is now reduced to isolated patches that many of them contain no more than 30 individuals (Siedensticker et al, 1999), that occupy only 5% of the available habitat (Karanth, 2001). The overall population numbers is estimated at 3,600 individuals, which is only 5% of the population only 100 years ago (IUCN, 2000)."
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The Adolescent Diversion Project, 2005.
A research proposal to determine the effectiveness of the Adolescent Diversion Project.
1,481 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how, in view of the the lack of funding for new facilities and the high rate of recidivism, new programs have been initiated nationwide to help juvenile delinquency. This paper focuses on the Adolescent Diversion Project. It looks at the effectiveness of this nationwide program by addressing whether the Adolescent Diversion Project effectively accomplishes its intended goals with its clients as well as assessing how successful the Adolescent Diversion Project is at demonstrating that community-based services are an effective alternative to secure custody. It is of the opinion of the researcher that unless the program is effective in meeting its goals, it is creating a further demand on an already overburdened juvenile justice system.
Outline
Introduction
Literature Review
Subjects for Study
Ethical Considerations
Measurement
Analysis
From the Paper
"Proponents of diversion cite studies such as one done in Colorado that involved comparisons between an experimental group of diverted youth and a control group who received regular handling by the Juvenile Justice System. The diversion program significantly reduced recidivism rates when compared with the control group(10). However, opponents of diversionary programs cite studies that show diversion studies are unsuccessful. An analysis of a police diversion program found that diversion appeared to aggravate rather than deter diversion. It was also found that intervention whether received in a traditional juvenile justice setting or in an alternative program, resulted in an increase in levels of perceived labeling and self-reported delinquency among youth (11)."
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Qualitative Interviewing, 2004.
A survey of issues surrounding qualitative interviewing as a method in policy evaluation.
1,856 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 19 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper describes qualitative interviewing as a research method. The paper presents major issues raised by various authors, researchers and practitioners on the use of qualitative interviewing as a method in policy evaluation. The paper examines whether qualitative interviewing is ideal for policy evaluation.
Outline
Overview
The Qualitative Interview Method
Scientific Inquiry and Qualitative Interviewing
Validity and Reliability in Qualitative Interviewing
Conclusion
From the Paper
"On account of the above, features of qualitative interviews differ from the survey interviews usually used in quantitative research. A qualitative interview is a one-on-one conversation between the researcher and the interviewee about a specific topic (Rubin and Rubin, p. 4). Unlike surveys, the questions in a qualitative interview are not standardized, even if a researcher conducts multiple interviews on the same topic. The qualitative interviewer uses open-ended, unstructured or semi-structured questions to elicit in-depth, detailed information from the interviewee. The interviewer has the flexibility to pursue unanticipated lines of inquiry."
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IT and Organizational Operations, 2002.
A proposed research design to measure the impact of IT on organizational operations.
2,180 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 24 sources, MLA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
To contribute to the growing knowledge base on IT and its effect in organizations, this paper proposes to research the Atlanta Credit Union (ACU), a fictitious banking organization serving the Atlanta employees. It develops a research design that targets the organizational impact of IT within the ACU and provides mechanisms to overcome potential research obstacles. The first section provides a review of research on IT in organizations and the second section develops appropriate variables and measurement techniques for research at ACU. The third and final sections anticipate potential measurement problems and propose solutions to overcome these obstacles.
Outline
Review of IT in Organizations
Variables and Measurement Techniques
Potential Difficulties and Conclusions
From the Paper
"As previous studies have indicated, obtaining meaningful measures of IT in organizational settings can be difficult, especially as the U.S. transitions from a primarily industrial economy to a service economy (Brynjolfsson, Erik & Hitt, Lorin M, 1998; Brynjolfsson, Erik, 1993; National Research Council, 1998; National Science Foundation, 2000). However, research shows that the primary problem associated with measuring the effects of IT in organizations is use of inappropriate use of transitional methods in a new setting. For example, to measure productivity at the Atlanta Credit Union, one must find appropriate input and output measures. Yet the types of benefits that are attributed to IT in this setting (e.g., increased quality, variety, customer service, speed, responsiveness) do not lend themselves to traditional productivity statistics. For the purposes of this study, we are using a variety of indicators to understand IT impacts that include inputs such as worker skill requirements and outputs such as changes in customer service and employee job satisfaction. These measures will provide a richer base from which to understand the impacts of IT in ACU."
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Kuhn s Structure of Scientific Revolutions, 2002.
Provides an overview of Thomas Kuhn's approach to understanding scientific knowledge.
1,191 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
Thomas S. Kuhn's structural account on the production of scientific knowledge constructs a generalized picture of the process by which a science is born and undergoes change and development. This paper explains that for Kuhn, science is a social system. It looks at how Kuhn analyzes the structure of scientific revolutions using several key concepts. He uses the term paradigm for an archetypal experiment or problem solution that implicitly tells scientists how to look at the world. This paper discusses how Kuhn's thesis about scientific authority utilizes the notion of normal science which he defines as science that uses a past achievement as a model and guide for formulating and solving new problems about the world which are based on paradigms. In addition, scientific revolutions occur when one paradigm is replaced by another. The writer also explains that as a result, paradigms play an important role in both normal science and scientific revolutions.
From the Paper
"The production of scientific knowledge undergoes six main steps. The first is a pre-paradigm stage in which the natural phenomena that later form the subject matter of a mature science are studied and explained from widely differing points of view. Next comes the emergence of a paradigm, embodied in the published works of one or more recognized scientists, defining and exemplifying the concepts and methods of research appropriate to the study of a certain class of natural phenomena, and serving as an inspiration to further research by its promise of success in explaining those phenomena. The third stage in the development of scientific knowledge is a period of normal science in which theories are explored and scientific puzzles are solved. A critical stage is the discovery of natural phenomena that violate the expectations governed by paradigms. In this stage, new theories are designed to explain these anomalous facts and then an abrupt transition to a new paradigm takes place in which a new conceptual and methodological framework arises which replaces the old. The final stage in the structure of scientific knowledge is the continuation of normal science within the new paradigm. This continues until the whole process repeats itself."
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Comparative Psychology: The Hamster, 2004.
This paper discusses the field of comparative psychology and reports on a study of hamsters' reactions to stimuli.
2,385 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 73.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that comparative psychology, synonymous with animal psychology, refers to the study of the behavior and mental life of animals other than human beings. The author points out that the modern study of animal behavior and biology is primarily a product of the 19th century, especially the work of Charles Darwin from 1830 to 1870, which revolutionized the biological sciences. The paper reports that the hamsters reacted to stimuli; with the exception of the food, the exercise wheel and the female hamster; the hamsters did not sustain their interest in the stimuli to which they were introduced.
Table of Contents
Background of the Study
Aristotle
Charles Darwin
Hamsters
The Study
Objectives of the Study
Theoretical Framework
Methodology
Findings
Sounds
Smells
Food
Smoke
Other Hamsters
Exercise Wheel
Experimenter's Hand
Observations
Conclusions
From the Paper
"Animal psychology is as old as human psychology and the other biological sciences. It was founded by Aristotle, under the patronage of Alexander the Great, in connection with his pioneer attempt to systematize the field of natural science. After Aristotle, animal psychology shared the common fate of the natural sciences for two millennia or more. As is well known, there was a period of general decadence in science. The later Greeks turned their attention from science to speculative philosophy and ethics. The center of interest for the Romans was politics and imperialistic ambitions."
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Ethnography and Grounded-Theory Research, 2005.
This paper compares two different research methodologies, ethnography and grounded-theory research.
1,230 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that both ethnographic and grounded-theory research seek to find a scientifically valid and effective way of conducting research on a variety of subjects. Ethnographic research tends to be more of a mixture of qualitative and quantitative measures, whereas, grounded-theory research tends to be more purely quantitative. The author points out that ethnographic research is a naturalistic, observational method, which elicits rich descriptions of context and culture, alternating between a narrow and a broad focus. The paper relates that, because it deals with an explicitly theoretical research problem, grounded-theory methodology is more direct, more rationalized and quantitative in nature, and primarily seeks to answer research questions through the proposition that scientific research cannot be proposed without substantive or grounded data to back it up.
From the Paper
"There are many approaches to conducting research, some qualitative and some quantitative, and some which have facets of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Quantitative research designs serve the purpose of showing causal motivations, observing present conditions and longitudinal comparisons, and establishing relationships with evidence from a sample size that is generally large or, in some cases, deferred to a larger statistical research body. Qualitative designs, on the other hand, focus more on specifics than the
generalities suggested by these tendencies towards large sampling groups in quantitative research."
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