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 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 qualitative methods 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 discusses the importance of using the correct and appropriate research methodology. It explains that a qualitative or quantitative analysis is often the perfect fit for a given research topic, but knowing the difference in the methodologies is required, as well as when they should be use separately or in combination with each other or another research methodology. To this end, the paper provides a critical evaluation of the merits and shortcomings of qualitative and quantitative research techniques and procedures, followed by a summary of the research and salient findings in the conclusion.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Qualitative Research
Quantitative Research
Discussion
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "This lengthy history of controversy has added some fuel to the current fires over which research technique is superior and why, especially during a period in history where so much information has now become available for analysis that was not possible even a few years ago. According to Goodson and Phillimore (2004), "Researchers are beginning to consider important issues concerning the nature of research and knowledge, the role of researchers, the ways in which research questions are determined and the ways in which data are interpreted" (p. 42). Much of this attention has been directed to the application of qualitative techniques in social research settings. "Increasingly," Crowley advises, "courses in educational research, conferences, and professional associations focus on the use of qualitative methods, and a plethora of textbooks, journal articles, and research monographs have been published in recent years" (1994, p. 55)."
Abstract This study attempts to discern whether a qualitative or quantitative approach to research methodology is appropriate for examining PALS. PALS measures young children's knowledge of important literacy fundamentals, including phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, knowledge of letter sounds, spelling concept of word, word recognition in isolation, and oral passage reading.
Outline
Literature Review: Introduction to Research Methodology History of Qualitative-Quantitative Research
Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research
Education and Literacy
Quantitative Methods
Research in Education
Analysis
Conclusions
From the Paper "In fact, there are many that might argue that a quantitative approach is preferable to a qualitative approach in all situations regardless of the phenomena being studied (Myburgh, Poggenpoel & Van Der Linde, 2001) because it lends itself to less 'subjective analysis.' However further exploration into the matter suggests that qualitative analysis is not subjective in nature and may in fact be the preferred method for research analysis into complex behavioral issues, particularly when the researcher is attempting to determine patterns in behavior and conduct (Myburgh, et. al, 2001).
That there is a great deal of 'opinion' surrounding the issue of both qualitative and quantitative research methodology cannot be argued. Thus research will be examined from both perspectives, qualitative and quantitative, in order to ascertain which methodology is best suited to provide detailed analysis of the PALS program, and in order to determine which methodology should be adopted by the researcher to provide adequate insight into the given phenomena that the researcher is attempting to explore. No conclusions will be made with regard to the legitimacy of either research approach until the final portion of this analysis, where a determination will be made as to whether a qualitative or quantitative approach is more appropriate in this particularly setting."
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 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 This paper defines qualitative methods 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 This paper explores the strengths of quantitative research, while also touching on the strengths of qualitative research, arguing that there is no single right way to do research. It argues that the preferences of the researcher, along with the constraints of the data, should guide the researcher into choosing the research design that is most suited for the project at hand.
From the Paper "The researcher setting to conquer a new field of knowledge must make a series of decisions from the very beginning of the research that will determine what type of data ? and answers ? he or she will find. In most cases, the very first decision that a researcher must make in deciding to carry out a piece of research is the choice between qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Although there is no reason why the two cannot be combined to pursue creative and powerful research (an in fact the tendency to combine qualitative and quantitative methods is becoming more and more common) it remains the case that most researchers and therefore most pieces of research are based almost entirely upon either qualitative or quantitative work. The choice between these two is important because they reflect entirely different underlying epistemologies and research philosophies. The values of quantitative research and the ways in quantitative research might best be used are explored in this paper."
Abstract This paper discusses the issue of divorce and examines the research methodologies used in order to provide accurate divorce rates. The author also discusses about related social and cultural matters.
From the Paper "While the decision to divorce one's marital partner seems as if it were an entirely personal one. But (as Emile Durkheim has shown us so conclusively as regards suicide) personal decisions are also social and cultural ones. Divorce rates have risen and fallen (but mostly risen) since the 18th century colonial era in America. Any investigation of such changes in the rate of divorce must be fundamentally grounded in the methods of historical research as well as social science research. How best to understand the reasons that divorce rates have fluctuated since the 18th century requires a close reading of a variety of historical and cultural texts that -- taken together -- will ground the personal reasons that obtain in each specific case of divorce with the larger social and cultural context of marriage and divorce. "
Abstract This paper compares and contrast methodological individualism and methodological holism through social movements and protest groups. Methodological holism is the better tool for predicting group behavior, or at least for viewing it properly.
Abstract This article reviews the methodology used in a research article on 'Alcohol Use and Attitudes Toward Alcohol Use Among Adolescents in Trinidad'. The writer discusses the experimental and applied psychology study analysis and looks at the instruments used to test validity. The writer discusses the limited sample size and the random selection methodology.
From the Paper "A study was conducted on the topic of 'Alcohol Use and Attitudes toward Alcohol Use among Adolescents in Trinidad'. No explicit research hypotheses were stated in the study, whose purpose was identified as to identify adolescents who have a high probability of having a substance abuse disorder, in particular alcohol use and attitudes towards alcohol use in Trinidad and Tobago. Generally, the researcher appears to have hypothesized that factors such as age, gender, ethnicity and residence would have an association with alcohol ..."
Abstract This paper explains the benefits of using a system development life cycle methodology (SDLC) for implementing a management information system. The paper describes the various options for a MIS and explains why the model of an SDLCs is preferred.
From the Paper "A system development life cycle SDLC is the overall process of developing information systems through a multistep process, from investigation of initial requirements through analysis, design, implementation and..."
Tags: systems development life cycle methodology, SDLC, benefits, management information system, top-down design
Abstract The paper presents a research methodology for a project on deferred benefits.
From the Paper "At issue herein is the development of a research methodology for exploring employee attitudes toward a deferred benefit or deferred pay plan, described by Brandon and Smith as plans allowing employees to reduce taxes by deferring the receipt of compensation or bonuses to a later date. These plans were described by Finerty as popular because they allow employees to defer taxes until later in life when they may be in lower tax brackets."
Tags: research methodology, surveys, deferred compensation
Abstract The paper explains that without research, new knowledge is not garnered, existing knowledge is not further clarified or expanded upon and the discipline becomes stagnant. The paper relates that qualitative research is an important part of this search for knowledge. The paper explores the benefits of using the qualitative approach to research, as opposed to other research methods. The paper discusses the pros and cons of qualitative research, as well as the importance of interviews, observations and documentation, together with the methodology, sensitivity and integrity of the researcher.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Benefits of Using Qualitative Research as Opposed to Other Research Methods
The Pros and Cons of Qualitative Research
Importance of Interviews, Observations, and Documentation
Importance of Methodology, Sensitivity, and Integrity of the Researcher
Conclusion
From the Paper "Qualitative research is one of the two primary research methodologies used. It "takes an interpretive, naturalistic approach to its subject matter; qualitative researchers study things in their natural settings, attempting to make sense of, or interpret, phenomena in terms of the meanings that people bring to them" (qtd. Jones, 1995). This process begins by understanding that there are a variety of ways of making sense of the world and therefore focuses on discovering the meanings that are seen by those who are being researched, to better understand their view of the world."
This paper is a methodological study using critical discourse analysis to interrogate the assumptions underlying critical race theory in educational research.
Abstract This paper discusses critical discourse analysis (CDA) as used to analyze a Critical Race Theory (CRT) case study, which investigated reflective discourses of three co-directors of a Canadian summer institute on multi-culturalism and diversity. The author points out that CDA analysis of the discourses was undertaken using Clegg's six criteria of language-power discourse within groups and organizations as variables for the analysis: (1) Values, (2) rules, (3) power, (4) discretion, (5) organization and (6) paradox. The paper concludes that CDA, when used in its pure form for CRT analysis, represented a very slow and painstaking task; however, using Cleggs criteria was efficient and yielded flaws in the methodology of the case study approach.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Purpose of the Study
Research Question
Hypothesis
Null Hypothesis
Assumptions
Limitations
Delimitations
Literature Review
Introduction
Literature on Educational and Qualitative Research
Differences between Qualitative and Quantitative Research
Definition, Types, and Uses of Qualitative Research
Overview of Critical Race Theory (CRT): Its Purposes, Assumptions, and Limitations
Descriptive CRT Literature
Origins of Critical Race Theory (CRT)
The Power of Storytelling
Descriptive Literature on Race and Multiculturalism
Enter "CRT-Light": Public Education Trends of the 1970's and 1980's
The 1990's and Beyond
Review of Critical Race Theory (CRT) Case Studies
Case Study 1: 'Thinking the Practice': Academic Adult Educators' Reflections on Mediating a Summer Institute as a Multicultural Learning Journey for Graduate Students'
Patti's Reflections: 'Walking on Quicksand'
Shahrzad's Reflections: 'Marginality of the 'Subject'; 'Subjectivity' of the Margin
Andre's Reflections: 'The Personal is Pedagogical'
Case Study 2: 'A Critical Race Analysis of Latino(a) and African American Advanced Placement Enrollment in Public High Schools'
Case Study 2's Methodology Case Study 2 Results
Discussion, Recommendations and Conclusions
Case Study 3: 'Understanding Cheating in Nepal'
Case Study 4: 'The Acceptance of a Multicultural Education among Appalachian College Students'
Survey Instrument Content and Methods
Survey Distribution Methods
Case Study Survey Results
Other CRT Case Studies, Briefly Described
Conclusion
Research Methods
Introduction
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as a Method
Origins of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA)
Conclusions
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) Used to Interrogate Two Critical Race Theory Case Studies
The Case Study: 'Thinking the Practice': Academic Adult Educators' Reflections on Mediating a Summer Institute as a Multicultural Learning Journey for Graduate Students'
Values
Power
Rules
Discretion
Organization
Conclusion
From the Paper "The researcher for the present study also believed that ethnographic research elements were strongly present within secondary data for the study. This was because various pieces of both descriptive and case study literature, used as data for the present study, consisted of analysis and interpretation of other researchers' observations of day-to-day activities, over time, of particular groups that were observed first-hand (e.g., graduate students attending a summer institute on diversity; middle school students in Nepal; students in university basic writing and college composition courses). In addition, results of previously-conducted (by other researchers) ethnographic research, e.g., participant observation accomplished by the researcher over time were used, within the present study, as secondary data."
