Research Paradigms

Question 1

Name the two research Paradigms?

Answer 1

Qualitative and Quantitative

Question 2

Define research paradigm?

Answer 2

Is a position of understanding of the world, philosophical assumptions, a set of beliefs and practices shared by communities of researchers which regulate enquiry. Shapes the researchers approach to their research activities and also guides the direction of the research. Choosing the right one is driven by what you want to know.

Question 3

Define Ontology?

Answer 3

the study of existence and provides a world-view that guides the study

Question 4

Define Epistemology?

Answer 4

The theoretical study of knowledge involved in the search for knowledge and the truth

Question 5

What is methodology?

Answer 5

the framework or process for conducting a study?

Question 6

What are the philosophical underpinnings of quantitative research?

Answer 6

• searching for the truth or objective reality by explaining a phenomena through the expression of numerical data
• often referred to as scientific or empirical methods
• includes studies where variables of interest are measureable and results are quantifiable
• the emphasis is on objective, observation, accuracy and control

Question 7

What are three quantitative methodologies?

Answer 7

Randomised control trial, cohort studies and cross-sectional studies.

Question 8

Explain what a Randomised control trial is?

Answer 8

An experiment where participants are randomised into two or more different groups and each group receives a different intervention.

Question 9

Explain what a cross-section study is?

Answer 9

samples a population at a particular point in time and measures them to see who has the outcome. Often associations between risk factors and a certain outcome are analysed.

Question 10

Explain what a Cohort study is?

Answer 10

An observational study. It is a type of longitudinal study where participants are followed over time. Participants with particular characteristics are cohorted and differences between them are measured over time.

Question 11

Explain what is a case-control study is?

Answer 11

This is a type of observational study in which participants have experienced an outcome (such as developing a disease) already are matched with other participants who are similar, except for they do not have the outcome

Question 12

Explain what a case series is?

Answer 12

Descriptions of a group of participants who are exposed to the factor (such as an intervention) that is being studied. This type of study do not usually provide definitive evidence, but more usually are ‘hypothesis-generating’

Question 13

What are the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research?

Answer 13

• searching for the meaning or subjective realities
• Defined as a enquiry process of understanding social or human problem, based on building a complex, holistic picture, formed with words and reporting detailed view of informants and conducted in natural setting.
• interpretive and naturalistic, designed to help understand naturally occurring social phenomena, through attitudes, beliefs, meanings, values & experience.
• researcher is often an interactive participant.

Question 14

What are three qualitative methodologies?

Answer 14

phenomenology, ethnography & grounded theory

Question 15

Explain what Phenomenology is?

Answer 15

This type of study is seen as a way of understanding phenomena and discloses previously unnoticed or overlooked issues, as it explores the experience, meaning of phenomena.

Question 16

Explain what Ethnography is?

Answer 16

With the aim of describing a particular custom, culture or group, this type of study has no particular data collection method. Rather it is a style of research with the objective to understand the activities and meanings of a social group

Question 17

Explain what grounded theory is?

Answer 17

Designed to develop theoretical explanation for socially constructed events, this type of study aims to generate new theories.