Research Slide 3

Question 1

Types of research

Answer 1

• Exploratory, when problem not clearly defined. Researcher generates hypotheses to be tested. Satisfy curiosity
• Descriptive, describes characteristics of phenomena, basis for other types, aim of determining characteristics of phenomenon
• Explanatory, explains phenomena or identified relationship between things. Address ‘why’ question.

Question 2

Quantitative vs Qualitative

Answer 2

Quantitative
Looking at amounts, quantities, measure variables
Qualitative
Looking at characteristics, qualities, cannot be reduced to numerical

Question 3

Purpose VS

Answer 3

Quantitative
Explanations and predictions that are generalizable
Qualitative
Better understanding of complex situations

Question 4

Process VS

Answer 4

Quantitative
methods defined before study begins
Qualitative
Researchers remain open, immerse themselves in complexity of situation

Question 5

Data Collection VS

Answer 5

Quantitative
data collected in form that’s easy to convert to numbers
Qualitative
researcher is research instrument, verbal & non-verbal data collected

Question 6

Findings Report VS

Answer 6

Quantitative
data reduced to averages
Qualitative
construct interpretive narratives from data

Question 7

Research VS

Answer 7

Quantitative
seeks facts/causes of phenomena  
objective
removed from data; outsider perspective
ungrounded 
outcome-orientated
reliable data
Qualitative 
understand behavior from actor's frame of reference
subjective   
close to data; insider perspective 
grounded 
process-orientated
valid data

Question 8

Similarities

Answer 8

Quantitative can generate hypotheses & theory and qualitative can test hypotheses & theory
qualitative data includes quantification
quantitative can collect qualitative data

Question 9

Quantitative advantages

Answer 9

• large quantities need to be collected
• data is quantifiable & generalizable
• analysis relatively less time consuming
• research results are researcher independent
• results are numerical, quantifiable

Question 10

Quantitative disadvantages

Answer 10

• results must be calculated using data analysis software
• time consuming
• larger samples take time to analyse data
• larger samples take time to collect data
• ignores human element

Question 11

Qualitative advantages

Answer 11

• explores hidden reasons behind complex, interrelated social processes where quantitative may be biased or inaccurate.
• helpful for theory construction
• appropriate for context-specific unique events || processes
• uncovers interesting & relevant research questions

Question 12

Qualitative disadvantages

Answer 12

• consume more time/resources than quantitative
• requires well trained researchers who won’t inject own bias into study
• not all participants may be equally credible or unbiased, might have political agendas
• inferences are not replicable or generalizable
• may fail to answer research question(s) || predict future behaviors

Question 13

Mixed Method

Answer 13

“researcher tends to base knowledge claims on pragmatic grounds”

Question 14

Quantitative Research

Answer 14

• empirical research where data is in numbers, emphasises logic and objectivity of research science. deals with quantities, invloves measuring

Question 15

Qualitative Research

Answer 15

• empirical research where data not in numbers form. analysis of data eg. words, pictures, objects. explore and understand people’s beliefs, experiences, behaviour, interactions. involves in-depth understanding and reason behind human behaviour