Abstract This paper defines qualitativemethods and quantitative methods. The author differentiates their uses. The paper assesses their suitability for use in human relations studies.
From the Paper "Research data may be evaluated through the application of either quantitative or qualitative analytical procedures. Quantitative approaches are more easily defined than are qualitative procedures because qualitative research may refer to either the way data are measured or the way such data are evaluated. A quantitative variable is one than can be measured numerically such as annual income. Quantitative data are produced by ordinal interval and ratio scales; while qualitative data are produced by nominal scales. Quantitative data ..."
Abstract The paper defines "qualitative research" and states that qualitative research methods were developed in the social sciences to enable researchers to study social and cultural phenomena. The paper gives examples of qualitativemethods and states that the data is usually obtained via interviews and questionnaires etc. The paper explains the differences between qualitative analysis and quantitative inquiry and does a comparison between them. The paper concludes that the varying methods of research have differing degrees of viability and value for the researcher.
From the Paper " A qualitative method that is more concerned with the larger context is the ethnographic method. This method attempts to view the individual within the context of the whole social and cultural environment. Ethnography research initially originated from social and cultural anthropology. Ethnographers usually spend a great amount of time in the field and "... immerse themselves in the lives of the people they study and seek to place the phenomena studied in their social and cultural context" (Myers M. D.). Ethnography is also described as a method of qualitative analysis "... whereby multiple perspectives can be incorporated..." into the design of any analysis. (Myers M. D.) In essence this method begins with the study of culture rather than the individual."
Abstract This paper discusses the differences between quantifiable and qualitative research methodologies in psychology and the social sciences and examines their advantages and disadvantages. The author describes that qualitativemethods tend to focus on meaning or discovery in the research design; whereas quantitative methods concentrate on establishing verifiable generalizations and correlations between predetermined variables. The author also discusses advantages and disadvantages of these methods and the numerous methods and methodologies that are used in each of the research designs. In addition, the paper gives examples of instances in which each research methodology was used.
Contents:
Qualitative and Quantitative Research Designs
Introduction
Comparing Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methodology
General Overview
A Brief Comparison of Research Designs
Analysis and Conclusion
References
From the Paper "It is not the purpose of this paper to deal with the competing theories and their relationship to research methodologies but rather to focus on the different reasons for choosing between quantifiable and qualitative methodologies in psychology and the social sciences in terms of their advantages and disadvantages. However, the underlying theoretical preferences and beliefs play an important part in the choice of the different research methodologies and thus should be kept in mind throughout the following discussion."
Abstract This paper explains that quantitative methods have been used extensively because measuring or counting acquires scientific reliability over the non-measurable; however, quantitative research alone cannot adequately encapsulate and solve the level of abnormality, severity, consequences and impact of the area being measured. The author points out that qualitativemethods take a holistic stance conserving the intricacies of human behavior by addressing the 'why' and 'how' questions. The paper relates that the choice of whether to select a quantitative or a qualitative design is theoretical because basics of both methods can be used together in mixed-methods studies to get more information than could be got by using either one alone.
From the Paper "But qualitative research has also its own limitations and restrictions. The usual mistake is the wrong use or misinterpretation of the capacities of qualitative research. Companies frequently fall in love with the data-rich results and think that the results are projectable. This supposition is wrong. Projectabilty is not possible, as the analysis is slanted and deals with a small size. Another general misapprehension is the belief that qualitative research will always give perfect deductions."
Abstract The paper discusses nursing research protocol, defining, comparing and contrasting qualitative and quantitative research methodology and execution. The paper discusses the inherent risks involved in each form, such as numbers that can be interpreted according to the researcher's goals.
From the Paper "Nursing research is an exciting area of study for several reasons - first and foremost, nursing research provides the opportunity to learn and remain current in the various disciplines of nursing, and to expand nursing knowledge for those nurses skilled in one area into others based on self-study of nursing. The other reason for excitement is the opportunity to participate in research according to qualitative and/or quantitative nursing study protocols in order to facilitate learning and personal and professional growth for self and others through study publication. This paper will concentrate on qualitative and quantitative research designs with respect to nursing studies and present descriptions of each form, comparing and contrasting them, citing pros and cons of each style as appropriate or inappropriate for specific types of research."
Abstract The paper critically assesses two differing research methodologies; quantitative and qualitative as both form an important part of sociological examination although fundamental differences exist between them. The paper provides an outline of each method and the manner in which it is employed followed by an examination of the inherent differences between the two methodologies. The paper concludes with an assessment as to what advantages can be attained when the two opposite approaches are used in conjunction with one another.
From the Paper "Therefore, from such a basis it is possible to see how the two different methods employ differing criteria when examining social phenomena. Quantitative methodology relies heavily on measurable scientific data (Phillips, 1976; p. 102). As such, wide ranging data collection is a consistent feature of the quantitative approach. This would include data collection methods such as surveys and questionnaires. Interviews could also play an important role in quantitative research but such interviews would be heavily structured. A clear and unambiguous structure is vital to the methodology employed so that clearly definable scientific results can be offered. Given this, the quantitative approach requires as a prerequisite that the individual researcher or interviewer adopts an impartial and detached stance toward the research. (Bailey 1994; p. 136). Becoming heavily and directly involved in the research process could impact on the mathematical result and therefore negatively affect the reliability of the data."
Abstract This paper is a review of qualitative nursing research methodology through the analysis of a qualitative nursing study. The paper reviews and critically analyzes statement of interest, purpose of study, research question, design, sample and setting, data collection and methodology, a brief comment on human rights, data analysis, findings, discussion, implication and conclusion and then a statement on the overall quality of the study and implications evident for the field of nursing.
From the Paper "The field of nursing is a caring profession - caring for the body and caring the for patient's emotional state. Nurses are on the front line and the one to respond to patients in need, whether by phone in a doctor's office or in answer to a call button in the hospital. Nursing research holds the solutions for what a nurse does or how they can be of help. Staying abreast of relevant, reliable and valid research is essential to the nursing profession; however, equally important is the ability to discern good research from bad. This paper presents an analysis of the qualitative nursing study: Isolation from 'Being Alive': Coping with severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy following the guidelines presented in class. Morning sickness is common during pregnancy."
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to discuss forecasting methods that are used in commercial business. Competition for consumers is high and in order for businesses to survive, they all have to consider what products are needed, where and when they are needed as well as in what quantities. It looks at how a successful forecasting strategy requires selecting the appropriate forecasting technique and compares and in particular contrasts forecasting methods as they relate to an organization called United Parcel Service. It looks at how there are three types of forecasting to predict demand: judgment methods, time series analysis and causal methods.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Judgment Methods Time Series Analysis
Causal Methods Conclusion
From the Paper "Judgment methods can be defined as tools that use opinions to develop forecasts without reference to any available historical data. The basis for judgment methods is to utilize decision-makers that have sufficient experience to establish forecasts. This is a low cost method that has rapid development time. However, it is not consistently accurate and subject to bias. The judgment method would not work at the UPS billing site. Most of the forecasting is based on previous numbers and historical data collected as far back as two years ago. Plans for staffing, potential growth, and volume production are weighed in comparison with these same factors in previous years of operation especially during
their consolidation processes. "
Tags: judgment, method, time, series, analysis, causal
Abstract This paper evaluates methods organizations can adopt to help promote greater gender diversity. These methods include conducting annual diversity surveys, providing team building seminars and encouraging team building efforts within the organization. Such efforts lay the groundwork for building a culture that promotes diversity and encourages women to excel at all levels of the organization. It also works to provide women the tools they need to succeed within the organization and within a group setting.
Outline:
Intervention Methods and Diversity in the Organization
Direct Methods of Establishing Diversity Competence
Indirect Methods of Establishing Diversity Competence
Conclusions
From the Paper "Traditional intervention methods may include various techniques and tools used to eliminate the cultural biases that exist within enterprises large and small. Intervention methods basically involved direct and indirect actions that one engages in to alter certain events or behaviors to improve the performance of a group and reduce behaviors considered undesirable (Garmston, 2004). Interventions may be helpful in promoting greater empowerment among groups that are traditionally singled out in the workplace, including women."
Abstract In this article, the writer explores the scientific method. The writer describes and defines the phrase scientific method. The writer then studies how the scientific method is used. In this paper, the writer outlines an example of use of the method in order to determine why the grass on one lawn is dead, while that on the neighbor's lawn is healthy.
From the Paper "The scientific method is the process by which scientists collectively over time construct an accurate representation of the world. The first step is to observe and describe some phenomenon which is of interest. Next a hypothesis is developed to explain the phenomenon. In the third step, the hypothesis is used to make predictions about new phenomena or the results of these new phenomena. Fourthly, these predictions are tested by experimentation or further observation. Steps three and four are then repeated until consistent results are obtained. This often ... "
Abstract This paper summarizes the steps of the scientific method. In this article, the writer offers an example of scientific method through the discussion of an experiment conducted using such method. In the second part, the paper explains the differences between living and non living things. The writer also discusses why some people believe that fire is a living thing. The writer concludes by explaining why fire is not living.
From the Paper "The scientific method is a method of analyzing a scientific problem in a systematic way. In this method the scientist does not make assumptions, leap to conclusions, or make decisions based on feeling. This method is strictly based on observable facts. The five basic steps to the scientific method are research problem hypothesis problem, experimentation and project conclusion. To initiate an investigation, the scientist first selects a project topic to investigate. Then he researches it by collecting information on it from a variety of sources ... "
Tags: biology, scientific method, living things, nonliving things, fire
Abstract In this essay the writer discusses that quantitative methods in nursing consistently provide information to the health care community regarding the impact that nursing offers the population. The writer notes that through a variety of methods, quantitative data and analysis allow nurses to focus on individuals, societal groups, and communities to provide quality care. Further, the writer points out that the scope of quantitative methods is limitless, as is the number of individuals that can be affected by the use of data in nursing.
From the Paper "The quality of nursing care is the foundation of the nursing profession. Each hospital system, health care facility and independent nursing staff is concerned with the level of care that is provided to patients continuously. Documentation of care, as well as information provided by patients can be used quantitatively to produce data that will determine whether or not patients receive quality care through nursing. Laferriere contends, Quality assurance is the promise or guarantee home health agencies ... "
Abstract This paper provides a thorough background of how Methodism started, including a short history of the Christian denomination. The paper includes an interview from a small town pastor of a Methodist church. It looks at how Methodism fits into Christianity as a whole.
From the Paper "Methodism, also known as Wesleyans, started from one man's vision to revise the Catholic Church and his name John Wesley (1703-1771). "In 1713 John was admitted to the Charterhouse School, London, where he lived the studious, methodical, and (for a while) religious life in which he had been trained at home." (New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, N.A) John Wesley became an Ordained deacon in 1725 and elected fellow of Lincoln College in the following year. He was then considered a priest 3 years later. (Outler, 1964)"
Abstract This paper describes the steps involved in the scientific method and gives some examples of the concepts involved in the idea. It describes some experiments which used scientific method, and defines what is needed to make a hypothesis.
From the Paper "The scientific method consists of a number of logical steps that are taken to verify a process situation or scientific fact. It begins by the development of axioms and assumptions which are usually made on the basis of observations by the scientists, e.g., Vesalius made the first accurate description of the arterial and venous systems of the human body based on first-hand observations he gained from dissection of a number of human bodies. "The accuracy of observations gains..."
Abstract This paper reviews a case whereby the scientific method is used to solve a problem with a garden lawn. According to the paper, the lawn is short, brown, dry, and dead, while the neighbor's lawn is lush, tall, green, alive, and healthy. The first application of the scientific method raises the question "Why is the lawn dead while the neighbour's is alive?".
