Chapter 2 - Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches Flashcards
Quantitative criticism of qualitative research
It is so specific and biased that it is unverifiable and useless
Qualitative criticism of quantitative research
Not nuanced enough to be empirical; very misleading
3 Foundations of knowledge
- Ontology - what is out there to know
- Epistemology - what can we know about it?
- Methodology - how can we go about acquiring knowledge
Ontology and two opposite conceptions of it
The study of being/existence
- Objectivism - one reality independent of the observer
- Constructivism - multiple realities, defined by the subject
Epistemology and two differing opinions on it
Study of knowledge
- Positivism - through scientific method we can understood objective reality
- Interpretivism - knowledge is impossible
Quantitative Research
The numerical examination of reality; typically conducted through the use of statistical analysis
Qualitative Research
The non-numerical examination of reality; typically conducted through the use of verbal depiction
Approaches to theory in Research (QvQ)
Quantitative tests theories
Qualitative builds theories
Large N v Big N studies
N = number of cases
Sample size essentially
Standards of Evidence (QvQ)
Quantitative - Probability, statistical significance tests
Qualitative - plausibility
Ontology, Epistemology, and Methodology (QvQ)
1. Ontological position: Objectivism Epistemological position: Positivism Methodological Position: Quantitative 2. Ontological Position: Constructivism Epistemological Position - Interpretivism 3. Methodological Position: Qualitative
Questions and Subsequent Types of Data in Quantitative Research
Questions: How much? How many? How often?
Data: Frequencies, intensities, numerical values
Questions and Subsequent Types of Data in Qualitative Research
Questions: Why? How? Under what conditions?
Data: Norms, values, stories
Four Key Differences (QvQ)
- Test hypotheses v Address Questions
- Theory testing v Theory Building
- Large N v Small N studies
- Seeks generalization v Seeks Contextual Information
4 Key Differences in Methods (QvQ)
- Numerical v Non-Numerical
- Variables operationalized before research v Themes emerge during or after research
- Mathematical analysis v Conceptual data analysis
- Presented in stats v Presented in words
Behavioural Revolution
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.
The Meaning of Data (QvQ)
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
Operational Definition
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
Univocal v Equivocal
Having one meaning, unambiguous v Having the possibility of several different meanings, ambiguous
Four Essential Elements of all legitimate Social Science Research
(Also QvQ)
- Authenticity - Measurement validity v Credibility
- Portability - External validity v Transferability
- Precision - Reliability v Dependability
- Impartiality - Objectivity v Confirmability
External Validity
The extent to which the findings drawn from the cases under examination may be used to make generalizations about phenomena outside the original study
Reliability
The extent to which the measurement of a particular variable yields consistent results.
Internal Validity
The extent to which the researcher has produced results reflective of reality, as measured within the confines of the study.
Dependability
The extent to which a researcher has produced accurate results, based on precise methods.
