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Qualitative research methodology
Qualitative research methodology
Qualitative research methodology
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Correlational research
Correlational research is a qualitative method where the focus is on studying the relationships between variables (Punch, 2014). Correlational research is primarily designed to investigate whether or not there is a relationship between two or more variables. The main emphasis in a correlational research is to discover or establish the existence of a relationship/association/interdependence between two or more aspects of a situation (Kumar, 2011). Correlation analysis is concerned with measuring whether two variables are associated with each other. If two variables tend to change together in the same direction, they are said to be positively correlated. If they tend to change together in opposite directions, they are said
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A descriptive research attempts systematically to describe a situation, problem, phenomenon, service or program, or provides information, or describes attitudes towards an issue. For example, it may attempt to describe the types of service provided by an organization, the administrative structure of an organization, the attitudes of employees towards management, etc. The main purpose of such studies is to describe what is prevalent with respect to the issue/problem under study (Kumar, 2011).
Survey research
According to Babbie (1990), it provides a quantitative or numeric description of trends, attitudes, or opinions of a population by studying a sample of that population. It includes cross-sectional and longitudinal studies using questionnaires or structured interviews for data collection, with the intent of generalizing from a sample to a population (Creswell, 2009). It is a popular and common strategy in business and management research and is most frequently used for exploratory and descriptive research. Surveys are popular as they allow the collection of a large amount of data from a sizeable population in a highly economical way. Often obtained by using a questionnaire administered to a sample, these data are standardized, allowing easy comparison. In addition, the survey strategy is perceived as authoritative by people in general and is both comparatively easy to explain and to understand (Saunders et al.
According to Neuman, there are three main research purposes: “Explore a new topic, describe a social phenomenon, or explain why something occurs. Studies may have multiple purposes, but one purpose is usually dominant” (Neuman, 2011, p. 38). These three types of research purposes are also known as; exploratory research, descriptive research and explanatory research (Neuman, 2011, p.
Kelley, K et al. (2003). Good practice in the conduct and reporting of survey research. Oxford Journal. 15 (3): 261-266.
In H. G. Wells’ novel, The War of the Worlds, when the Martians arrive they bring a red weed; it is much more than just an alien plant. Accidentally or intentionally, the red weed becomes an important part embedded in the novel. Firstly, the red weed serves as a major symbol representing the advancements of the Martian invasion through their conquest on Earth. Secondly, its rapid growth and its vivid color serve as smaller symbols that emphasize the intensity of the invasion. Lastly, amidst the many symbols shown throughout the novel, the red weed incorporates the overarching theme of destruction that ultimately brings irreversible damage to Earth.
According to Editorial Board, Correlation is an observed relationship between two variables, and regression is a statistical procedure related to correlation that allows you to predict values of one variable when you know the values of a correlated variable. (Editorial Board, 2017). The difference between correlation and regression, is correlation measures the strength of association and the regression line is a prediction equation that estimates the values given for x and y. Regression analysis includes any techniques for modeling and analyzing trends between a dependent variable and an independent variable. Regression and correlation analyze and make predictions. According to KARUNA, the effect of correlation is to reduce the range of uncertainty. The prediction based on correlation analysis is likely to be more variable and near to reality. (KARUNA,
A correlational method measure relationship between two or more variables: independent variable(s) and dependent variable. The independent variables are the experimental factors that the researcher can manipulate, while dependent variables are the things that the experimenter no control over, that include the outcome of the experiment (Class notes). The experimental method explores cause and effect of the study (David G. Myers, 2008).
There are many elements involved in conducting a proper research. The two general types of research designs are qualitative and quantitative. These types of designs are different in many ways. Quantitative is an objective research typically focused on numerical data. Qualitative research is subjective research focused on narrative data. This paper further elaborates on many elements that separate quantitative research from qualitative research.
On the other hand, Quantitative research refers to “variance theory” where quantity describes the research in terms of statistical relationships between different variables (Maxwell, 2013). Quantitative research answers the questions “how much” or “how many?” Quantitative research is an objective, deductive process and is used to quantify attitudes, opinions, behaviors, and other defined variables with generalized results from a larger sample population. Much more structured than qualitative research, quantitative data collection methods include various forms of surveys, personal interviews and telephone interviews, polls, and systematic observations. Methods can be considered “cookie cutter” with a predetermined starting point and a fixed sequence of
Focusing on surveys and questionnaires, and quantitative research methods, it varies on the person getting questioned as to which method they prefer. Some individuals may prefer to fill in a questionnaire, as it is quick and simple for them, whereas someone else would rather have a face-to-face interview because they may find questionnaires to complicated. Giving people the choice gives the more chance of getting a response overall. It is important that the researchers are aware of the advantages and disadvantages because they will then be aware of what method to use, and will know what method is best to use. It is also an advantage to work with experienced researchers in order to find out the best results.
Data Collection and Analysis Questionnaire The research was carried out on both quantitative and qualitative approaches. It began with a quantitative approach—questionnaire. Bryman and Bell (2003) asserted that mail or postal questionnaires are the most popular forms of questionnaires. Another form—self-completion questionnaire—was also common because of the overlap with postal questionnaire to some extent.
The Advantages and Limitations of Social Surveys in Sociological Research To survey something, is to carry out a systematic overview so that a researcher can produce a comprehensive general report on it. Survey method is often used by positivist sociologists seeking to test their hypotheses, and to investigate causes and examine variables. As with every other sociological research, survey has its own advantages and limitations. Positivist research, which is in the scientific tradition, begins with a hypothesis that can be either confirmed or rejected according to the data collected. One of the significant advantages of survey method is that, it can be used to collect data that is a representative of a larger population.
There are hypotheses or questions that the researcher wants to address which includes predictions about the possible relationship between two they are investigating (variables). However, in order to find answers to these questions, the researcher will have different instruments and materials, paper/complete tests and observation
The first method to be discussed and analysed are experimental methods. There is a variety of experimental methods including; laboratory, field and natural experiments. These methods are the most scientific method due to them being highly objective and systematic. In addition, this method is regarded as the most powerful research method used in psychology because of the potential to investigate the causes of events and therefore, identifying the cause and effect relationship. When carrying out an experiment the researcher intervenes directly in the situation being investigated. The researcher manipulates an independent variable (IV) in order to investigate whether there is a change in the dependent variable (DV). Any other variables that could have an
When two or more variables move in sympathy with the other, then they are said to be correlated. If both variables move in the same direction, then they are said to be positively correlated. If the variables move in opposite direction, then they are said to be negatively correlated. If they move haphazardly, then there is no correlation between them. Correlation analysis deals with the following:
Surveys are an effective and popular method for research because of the efficiency, versatility and generalizability. Generalizability is the ability to sample and draw research conclusions for large populations (Bachman & Schutt, 2012). In order to effectively maximize outcomes in survey research, surveys must be structured to avoid unclear or confusing questions. Demographic related questions should be avoided if not pertinent to the research study (Bachman & Schutt, 2012). Generally, the motivation of the researcher is clearly identified in a survey, and the respondent has the option of declining involvement in the survey. There are fewer ethical dilemmas with survey research than other types of research methods.
After establishing the research problem and what results are wanted, it will define how it will find the answers. Research is a form of collection and interpretation of information that will form the basis of finding answers to questions. The research uses theories and methods that h...