1.0 Introduction Flashcards
Research is divided into two classifications or paradigms. What are they?
Qualitative
Quantitative
Regardless of the type of research paradigm, research is guided by which 3 concepts?
Ontology
Epistemology
Methodology
Ontology
Is the study of EXISTENCE. It provides the world view that guides the study. It refers to the question of what exists in the world, what is ‘real’. Different knowledge systems take diverse positions on what constitutes reality.
Epistemology
Is the theoretical study of KNOWLEDGE. Involved in the search for knowledge and truth. It provides focus of the study. (e.g. what is the relationship between the researcher and the area of study?)
Methodology
Provides a framework (process) for conducting the study
Further delineation of qualitative and quantitative research is outlined in a common classification of research paradigms. These are:
Positivist (Positivism)
Interpretive (Interpretivism)
Critical
The term positivist or positivism refers to the:
Does it relate to qualitative or quantitative research?
Philosophical position reflecting the traditional scientific approach of objective observation and causal relationships.
Quantitative
Data is collected following a strict procedure and prepared for statistical analysis
What are some common examples of research design using a positivist approach?
RCT, quasi experimental, cohort, case control, and cross-sectional studies
Positivism is characterised by:
DETERMINISM (reductionism) : describes that certain investigated phenomena do not occur by chance. Instead, they have predisposing causes known to us
OBJECTIVITY: Researcher remains objective and unbiased; research conducted based on scientific knowledge
DEDUCTIVE REASONING , which describes a logical thought process whereby research hypotheses are derived from theory and whereby reasoning moves from general to the particular.
Determinism (reductionism)
Determinism (reductionism) : describes that certain investigated phenomena do not occur by chance. Instead, they have predisposing causes known to us
Objectivity
Researcher remains objective and unbiased; research conducted based on scientific knowledge
Deductive reasoning
Which describes a logical thought process whereby research hypotheses are derived from theory and whereby reasoning moves from general to the particular.
Interpretivism is aka
Naturalistic or constructivist
Interpretivism
Aims to generate, describe, explore and generate meanings within a social or practice context
Assumes that “access to reality (given or socially constructed) is only through social constructions such as language, consciousness, shared meanings…”(Myers,2008, p.38).
Ensures dialogue between the researcher and participants in order to collaboratively construct a meaningful reality
True or False
All research studies regardless of paradigm adhere to the same research process
True
The research process follow the following structure: (10 steps)
- Identifying the (clinical) problem /issue
- Critically searching and appraising the available research based and conceptual literature
- Refining research ideas, questions, statements or hypothesis
- Identifying and minimising ethical issues and procedures
- Identifying and justifying an appropriate research methodology and method
- Sampling appropriate research populations
- Collecting or generating research data from participants/ elements
- Analysing collected research data
- Interpreting and making sense of research results/findings
- Disseminating (sharing) research findings to wider audiences
Interpretivism is representative of what research approach? Provide common examples of this approach.
Qualitative
Common examples of this approach include phenomenology, grounded theory, and ethnography
What kind of reasoning does interpretivism use?
Inductive reasoning - conceptualisations/general rules are developed from specific observation
What kind of reasoning does positivism use?
Deductive - research hypotheses are derived from theory and whereby reasoning moves from general to the particular.
Critical approach
Uses qualitative methods to examine phenomena of interest
Examples include action research, feminist research
They are referred to as emancipatory / Helps to empower people who are marginalised in society
Use research operating within social change context
Looks to encourage empowerment and equality for research participant to challenge and change social structures
Paradigm tension in research
Where one research paradigm is viewed as superior to another
Benefits of different research methods
The need for collaborative research between health profession disciplines
Different research methods are needed to answer different clinical questions
Theoretical frameworks represent known and tested theories.
They provide a frame of reference from which researchers can either predict or explain their study outcomes.
Where theoretical frameworks are not available (e.g. for unknown or previously unexplored issues) what framework can be used instead?
Conceptual frameworks - can identify single or multiple concepts that are related but remain untested
