ch12 Flashcards
quantitative research
research methods based on quantifiable data; are associated with the natural-science approach based on the hypothetico-deductive model
quantitative research - assumptions (5)
there’s an outer reality, the main aim of science is to discover causal relationships, trying to avoid confounds, suspicion about researcher’s input, progress through falsification
limits of quantitative methods (4)
assumes that psychological characteristics can be measured, no interest in person behind the participant, quantitive imperative, destroying theories
qualitative research
research methods based on understanding phenomena in their historical and socio-cultural context; are associated with the hermeneutic approach based on understanding the meaning of a situation
assumptions of qualitative research
little evidence of an outside reality, attempts to control the situation make the setting artificial, immersion and understanding, ideographic approach, induction
3 critiques of grounded theory
o Largely assumed the existence of an objective reality that should be discovered – close to mainstream psychology
o Second problem – importance of inductive reasoning and verification – criteria also used by logical positivists – overthrown already, shaky foundations for good research
Grounded theory accepts that the outcome of an analysis isn’t a description of reality but a social construction by the researcher
o Grounded theory didn’t take into account the fact that the data provided actually compromised their perceptions and interpretations of what’s happening
limits of qualitative research
limits of inductive reasoning, less suited to decide between theories, based on introspection, involvement of the researcher
Marecek - 4 misunderstandings
o Qualitative and quantitative psychology are complementary methods and lead to the same type of understanding
o Qualitative research is an adjunct to quantitative research
o Qualitative research only consist of inductive reasoning
o Qualitative research is nothing but psychology without numbers
4 strengths of the quantitative method
o Lends itself well for statistical analyses of large datasets
o Can produce precise predictions that can be tested
o Makes comparison (between groups or subjects) possible
o Easier to investigate confounds and validity threats
4 weaknesses of the quantitative method
o Little interest in the perception of participants
o Research limited by what’s measurable
o Better suited to testing general theories than to finding solutions for specific situations
o If you don’t have a well-developed theory yet quantitative methods aren’t as helpful, not suitable for generating theories
qualitative research strengths - 3
o Direct involvement with situation
o Generates theories and enables exploration
o Responsive to the needs of participants
qualitative research - weaknesses
o Less suitable for demonstrating general laws
o Little room for precise prediction/falsification
o Less suitable for deciding between theories and what’s true or not
o Largely based on introspection/subjective evaluation
