Chapter 2 - Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches

Question 1

Quantitative criticism of qualitative research

Answer 1

It is so specific and biased that it is unverifiable and useless

Question 2

Qualitative criticism of quantitative research

Answer 2

Not nuanced enough to be empirical; very misleading

Question 3

3 Foundations of knowledge

Answer 3

1. Ontology - what is out there to know
2. Epistemology - what can we know about it?
3. Methodology - how can we go about acquiring knowledge

Question 4

Ontology and two opposite conceptions of it

Answer 4

The study of being/existence

1. Objectivism - one reality independent of the observer
2. Constructivism - multiple realities, defined by the subject

Question 5

Epistemology and two differing opinions on it

Answer 5

Study of knowledge

1. Positivism - through scientific method we can understood objective reality
2. Interpretivism - knowledge is impossible

Question 6

Quantitative Research

Answer 6

The numerical examination of reality; typically conducted through the use of statistical analysis

Question 7

Qualitative Research

Answer 7

The non-numerical examination of reality; typically conducted through the use of verbal depiction

Question 8

Approaches to theory in Research (QvQ)

Answer 8

Quantitative tests theories

Qualitative builds theories

Question 9

Large N v Big N studies

Answer 9

N = number of cases

Sample size essentially

Question 10

Standards of Evidence (QvQ)

Answer 10

Quantitative - Probability, statistical significance tests

Qualitative - plausibility

Question 11

Ontology, Epistemology, and Methodology (QvQ)

Answer 11

1. 
Ontological position: Objectivism
Epistemological position: Positivism
Methodological Position: Quantitative 
2.
Ontological Position: Constructivism
Epistemological Position - Interpretivism
3. Methodological Position: Qualitative

Question 12

Questions and Subsequent Types of Data in Quantitative Research

Answer 12

Questions: How much? How many? How often?
Data: Frequencies, intensities, numerical values

Question 13

Questions and Subsequent Types of Data in Qualitative Research

Answer 13

Questions: Why? How? Under what conditions?
Data: Norms, values, stories

Question 14

Four Key Differences (QvQ)

Answer 14

1. Test hypotheses v Address Questions
2. Theory testing v Theory Building
3. Large N v Small N studies
4. Seeks generalization v Seeks Contextual Information

Question 15

4 Key Differences in Methods (QvQ)

Answer 15

1. Numerical v Non-Numerical
2. Variables operationalized before research v Themes emerge during or after research
3. Mathematical analysis v Conceptual data analysis
4. Presented in stats v Presented in words

Question 16

Behavioural Revolution

Answer 16

A period in the second half of the 20th century with the advent of computers and such when quantitative data reigned supreme and everything was thought to me numerable.

Question 17

The Meaning of Data (QvQ)

Answer 17

Quantitative = means in intrinsic to data itself
Qualitative = Meaning is more contingent, or subject to, the unique perspectives of the observer and the diverse qualities of the observed

Question 18

Operational Definition

Answer 18

A researcher’s description of a variable for a particular study; often involves very specific issues, such as how to deal with non-responses, don’t knows, and the like; provides a way to measure an abstract concept for all cases in a study

Question 19

Univocal v Equivocal

Answer 19

Having one meaning, unambiguous v Having the possibility of several different meanings, ambiguous

Question 20

Four Essential Elements of all legitimate Social Science Research
(Also QvQ)

Answer 20

1. Authenticity - Measurement validity v Credibility
2. Portability - External validity v Transferability
3. Precision - Reliability v Dependability
4. Impartiality - Objectivity v Confirmability

Question 21

External Validity

Answer 21

The extent to which the findings drawn from the cases under examination may be used to make generalizations about phenomena outside the original study

Question 22

Reliability

Answer 22

The extent to which the measurement of a particular variable yields consistent results.

Question 23

Internal Validity

Answer 23

The extent to which the researcher has produced results reflective of reality, as measured within the confines of the study.

Question 24

Dependability

Answer 24

The extent to which a researcher has produced accurate results, based on precise methods.

Question 25

Precision

Answer 25

The extent to which a study offers an accurate account of reality, based on the ability of other researchers to reach similar conclusions under similar circumstances

Question 26

Triangulation

Answer 26

The use of multiple approaches to data collecting and analysis as a means of drawing trustworthy conclusions about reality.

Question 27

Quantizing or Qualitizing

Answer 27

The process of supplementing core qualitative or quantitative data with (non-)numerical evidence.

Question 28

Audit Trail

Answer 28

A record of decisions made when gathering and analyzing data

Question 29

Member Checks

Answer 29

The process of verifying study results in consultation with its subjects.

Question 30

Investigator Triangulation

Answer 30

The use of multiple researchers in a single research study as a means of ensuring the trustworthiness of an examination.

Question 31

Pilot Study

Answer 31

A preliminary investigation intended to test and refine the methodology employed in the main study.