Research method

Question 1

Qualitative ontology:

Answer 1

Relativism: the external world is not directly accessible to us. It is only how we perceive or portray it. Knowledge can’t be universal, and it is always context dependant
There are often multiple conflicting truths.

Question 2

Qualitative epistemology:

Answer 2

Reality is constructed by people and their interactions, researchers are often influenced and influencing the objects/persons of research.

Question 3

Qualitative methodology:

Answer 3

Focuses on meaning and interpretation (CONTEXT) often interactive methods that yield detailed responses (interview)

Question 4

When do you use qualitative methods?

Answer 4

• when you have a good amount of time
• when looking for an opinion on a topic
• when trying to understand a topic
• when trying to understand human/social opinion of a topic.

Question 5

Qualitative positive features:

Answer 5

• in depth
• participants are less likely to lie or deceive when talking either face to face or about their opinions.
• highlights important topic areas not previously considered
• can create follow up questions in order to understand meaning of answer and even promotes this.

Question 6

Qualities negative features:

Answer 6

• extremely time consuming
• often small sample sizes or a small range
• potentially more costly to carry out

Question 7

Quantitative ontological approach:

Answer 7

Realism: the external world exists independently or people’s perceptions of it.

Question 8

Quantitative epistemology:

Answer 8

There is one single truth that can be directly and objectively observed and measured. The researcher is independent from the object of research

Question 9

Quantitative methodology:

Answer 9

Usually experimental, involving measurements - such as questionnaires, surveys, brain scans, eye tracking. Otherwise known as the hypothetico-deductive method.

Question 10

When to use quantitative methods?

Answer 10

• when you want large amounts of data
• when you have less/ little time
• when you want statistics and data
• to understand opinions views or to gain information on a late scale.

Question 11

Quantitative positive features:

Answer 11

• cost effective
• time effective
• large sample sizes

Question 12

Quantitative negative features:

Answer 12

• lying or deceit more likely
• less detailed responses
• no way to follow up questions