Philosophical Foundations and Assumptions

PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS

The main research paradigms on how study should be conducted come from two broad schools of thought. Both represent different set of strategies that helps people learn about the real-world around us. These distinctive approaches of research are commonly categorised into two types: qualitative and quantitative.

Earlier article (University of Paisley 1997) defined approaches to research primitively using these two simplest words helped presenting a good contrast between differing schools of thought. If in a research the emphasis of data collection is on the quality rather than the quantity, it is qualitative. However, when the research is of “quantitative orientation”, data collection focuses on some form of factual relationship.

Qualitative research

Using humanistic approach, this is a way of applying subjective component of the search for knowledge (Speziale & Carpenter 2007). With qualitative method, the researcher collects data in the form of words through which people normally explore meaning. This approach acquires knowledge from the perspective of the subject, not about the researcher perspective. It concerns primarily with explaining, interpreting and understanding how people see the world. Such approach develops the inductive research. When the knowledge is derived inductively using qualitative research strategies, it focuses on the client as human being and is regarded as so important from health care perspective (Cluett & Bluff 2006). Inductive research contributes to generation of new theory from an observed event rather than to test existing ideas. Qualitative research approach fits well to raise issues and increase people awareness on area of intere...

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...determine what the explicit question is, know how best to answer the question via an approach of induction or deduction and relay them accordingly to a suitable design. There should be rationale for each stage of the study. Data collection tools used must be appropriate to answer the research question or objectives. Data analysis and interpretation must be transparent. Bias should be reduced as much as possible. The researcher must address all the ethical principles. Both qualitative and quantitative methods have differential strengths and weaknesses. It is important to understand that no single paradigm will tackle all the questions. Both qualitative-based and theory-based research methods serve together to achieve better understanding of human world. Developing a research study is like doing a jigsaw. The component parts need to be viewed and then they must