1.0 Introduction

Question 1

Research is divided into two classifications or paradigms. What are they?

Answer 1

Qualitative
Quantitative

Question 2

Regardless of the type of research paradigm, research is guided by which 3 concepts?

Answer 2

Ontology
Epistemology
Methodology

Question 3

Ontology

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

Epistemology

Answer 4

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?)

Question 5

Methodology

Answer 5

Provides a framework (process) for conducting the study

Question 6

Further delineation of qualitative and quantitative research is outlined in a common classification of research paradigms. These are:

Answer 6

Positivist (Positivism)
Interpretive (Interpretivism)
Critical

Question 7

The term positivist or positivism refers to the:
Does it relate to qualitative or quantitative research?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

What are some common examples of research design using a positivist approach?

Answer 8

RCT, quasi experimental, cohort, case control, and cross-sectional studies

Question 9

Positivism is characterised by:

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Determinism (reductionism)

Answer 10

Determinism (reductionism) : describes that certain investigated phenomena do not occur by chance. Instead, they have predisposing causes known to us

Question 11

Objectivity

Answer 11

Researcher remains objective and unbiased; research conducted based on scientific knowledge

Question 12

Deductive reasoning

Answer 12

Which describes a logical thought process whereby research hypotheses are derived from theory and whereby reasoning moves from general to the particular.

Question 13

Interpretivism is aka

Answer 13

Naturalistic or constructivist

Question 14

Interpretivism

Answer 14

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

Question 15

True or False
All research studies regardless of paradigm adhere to the same research process

Answer 15

True

Question 16

The research process follow the following structure: (10 steps)

Answer 16

1. Identifying the (clinical) problem /issue
2. Critically searching and appraising the available research based and conceptual literature
3. Refining research ideas, questions, statements or hypothesis
4. Identifying and minimising ethical issues and procedures
5. Identifying and justifying an appropriate research methodology and method
6. Sampling appropriate research populations
7. Collecting or generating research data from participants/ elements
8. Analysing collected research data
9. Interpreting and making sense of research results/findings
10. Disseminating (sharing) research findings to wider audiences

Question 17

Interpretivism is representative of what research approach? Provide common examples of this approach.

Answer 17

Qualitative
Common examples of this approach include phenomenology, grounded theory, and ethnography

Question 18

What kind of reasoning does interpretivism use?

Answer 18

Inductive reasoning - conceptualisations/general rules are developed from specific observation

Question 19

What kind of reasoning does positivism use?

Answer 19

Deductive - research hypotheses are derived from theory and whereby reasoning moves from general to the particular.

Question 20

Critical approach

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Paradigm tension in research

Answer 21

Where one research paradigm is viewed as superior to another

Question 22

Benefits of different research methods

Answer 22

The need for collaborative research between health profession disciplines
Different research methods are needed to answer different clinical questions

Question 23

Theoretical frameworks represent known and tested theories.

Answer 23

They provide a frame of reference from which researchers can either predict or explain their study outcomes.

Question 24

Where theoretical frameworks are not available (e.g. for unknown or previously unexplored issues) what framework can be used instead?

Answer 24

Conceptual frameworks - can identify single or multiple concepts that are related but remain untested