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Research Approach

The document discusses research approaches, focusing on quantitative and qualitative research. It describes the main characteristics of each: - Quantitative research uses large numeric data samples, preset questions, statistical analysis and aims for generalizable results. It has clear variables, specific questions and hypotheses. - Qualitative research explores phenomena in depth through a small number of participants. It has broad questions, collects non-numeric data and does thematic analysis to interpret meanings. The document also notes that different research designs are associated with each approach, and that the approach should follow the research questions, not vice versa.

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67 views20 pages

Research Approach

The document discusses research approaches, focusing on quantitative and qualitative research. It describes the main characteristics of each: - Quantitative research uses large numeric data samples, preset questions, statistical analysis and aims for generalizable results. It has clear variables, specific questions and hypotheses. - Qualitative research explores phenomena in depth through a small number of participants. It has broad questions, collects non-numeric data and does thematic analysis to interpret meanings. The document also notes that different research designs are associated with each approach, and that the approach should follow the research questions, not vice versa.

Uploaded by

denisadl
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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PT10803

Research
Approaches
Denis Lajium
The learning outcomes of this lesson

▣ Understand research approaches


▣ Describe the six steps in the process of research.
▣ Identify the characteristics of quantitative and
qualitative research in the six steps.
▣ Identify the type of research designs associated
with quantitative and qualitative research.
1.
Understanding
Research
Approach
Research Approach

▣ Approach, (literally) means “a way of dealing


with a situation or problem.”
▣ A research approach is a “mind set” which
include, but not limited to, belief, attitude,
perspective, point of view, line of action,
method, procedure, process, technique, or
modus operandi in addressing a problem.
▣ Research approach can be referred as research
tradition or strategy.
Research approaches

▣ There are many ways to categories research


approach
▣ A common (almost universal) way to approach
a research problem on the nature of data
collected:
□ Quantitative research
□ Qualitative research
□ Mixed-method (not for you yet)
▣ Some based of philosophical stand (not for you
yet).
The research
process
The

2.
Characteristics
of Quantitative
Research
Main Characteristics of Quantitative
Research

▣ Describing a research problem through a


description of trends or a need for an
explanation of the relationship among variables
▣ Providing a major role for the literature through
suggesting the research questions to be asked
and justifying the research problem and
creating a need for the direction (purpose
statement and research questions or
hypotheses) of the study
Main Characteristics of Quantitative
Research

▣ Creating purpose statements, research


questions, and hypotheses that are specific,
narrow, measurable, and observable
▣ Collecting numeric data from a large number of
people using instruments with preset questions
and responses
Main Characteristics of Quantitative
Research

▣ Analysing trends, comparing groups, or relating


variables using statistical analysis, and
interpreting results by comparing them with
prior predictions and past research
▣ Writing the research report using standard,
fixed structures and evaluation criteria, and
taking an objective, unbiased approach
Other characteristics

▣ Objective
▣ Clear and well defined variables
▣ Often focus on a specific variable (DV)
▣ Specific and narrow research questions
▣ Hypotheses
▣ Measurement or instrumentation
▣ Statistical analysis
▣ Generalisation to population
The

3.
Characteristics
of Qualitative
Research
Main Characteristics of Qualitative
Research

▣ Exploring a problem and developing a detailed


understanding of a central phenomenon
▣ Having the literature review play a minor role
but justify the problem
▣ Stating the purpose and research questions in a
general and broad way so as to the participants’
experiences
Main Characteristics of Qualitative
Research

▣ Collecting data based on words from a small


number of individuals so that the participants’
views are obtained
▣ Analysing the data for description and themes
using text analysis and interpreting the larger
meaning of the findings
▣ Writing the report using flexible, emerging
structures and evaluative criteria, and including
the researchers’ subjective reflexivity and bias
Other characteristics

▣ Subjective
▣ Themes are generated from the data
▣ Focus on the central phenomenon
▣ Broad research questions
▣ Mainly collect non-numerical data
▣ Thematic and comparative analysis
▣ Application to similar phenomenon
4.
Research
approach and
design
Research Designs Associated with
Quantitative and Qualitative Research
Some issues that you need to think

▣ Quantitative or qualitative approach:


□ Which is the best approach?
□ Which is easier?
□ Which requires more data?
□ Which requires more literature review?
Always remember

▣ No one approach is better than any other, but


some approaches are more relevant to your
project than others.
▣ Bear in mind that research approach should
follow from questions' (not the other way
around.
▣ A poor question-approach fit can lead to
serious delays in research and ultimately
undermine your project.
Thanks!
Any questions?

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