TYPES OF RESEARCH

Approach and Method

Approach

The act of getting close to A direction, a frame of mind, a philosophy Does not have a proven formula or set of rules Success of the use of it depends on your own unique situation

Approach and Method

Method Way of doing things An overall plan for the orderly process (no part of which contradicts the selected approach; all of which is based upon the selected approach) A systematic, planned and step-bystep process A definite procedure that follows the order from A to Z

Method and Methodology

Method and methodology Note the distinction between method and methodology. Method refers to the range of techniques that are available to us to collect evidence about the social world more technical. Methodology concerns the research strategy as a whole, including as Seale (1998, p.3) notes, the political, theoretical and philosophical implications of making choices of method when doing research.

Approaches and Methods in Research

Quantitative:
Usually involves collecting and converting data into numerical forms Statistical calculations can be made and conclusions can be drawn Process: Have one or more hypotheses (questions to address, predictions about possible relationships between variables)

Approaches and Methods in Research

Use various instruments and materials (e.g. paper, computer, tests, observation check lists, questionnaires, etc.) Clearly defined plan of action Data is collected by various means Data is prepared for statistical analysis

Approaches and Methods in Research

The analysis enables researchers to determine the extent of relationships between/among variables (simple association or causal relationship) Statistical analysis permits researchers to discover complex causal relationships and to determine the extent of how variables influence one another

Approaches and Methods in Research

Principles: Objectivity is very important Avoid researchers own presence, behavior or attitude affecting the results; Critically examine their methods and conclusions for any possible bias Prepare and control steps and procedures in advance External factors must be controlled for; some contributing factors cannot always be ruled out and should be acknowledged

Approaches and Methods in Research

Principles: Main emphasis is on deductive reasoning which tends to move from general to the specific (top down approach) The validity of conclusions is shown to be dependent on one or more premises being valid (previous statement, findings or conditions)

Approaches and Methods in Research

Principles: Researchers rarely have access to participants or members of a particular group Use sample of a population Random sampling and or assignment Generalizability of the results is not limited to the group but also to similar or larger situations

Approaches and Methods in Research

Qualitative:
Emphasizes socially constructed nature of reality Usually involves recording, analyzing and attempting to uncover the deeper meaning and significance of human behavior and experience, and emotions Researchers are interested in gaining a rich understanding of peoples experience and not in obtaining information which be generalized to other larger groups Process: Does not require hypotheses (questions to address, predictions about possible relationships between variables)

Approaches and Methods in Research

Process:
Tend to be inductive develop a theory or look for a pattern on the basis of the data have been collected Involves a move from the specific to the general (bottom-up approach) Is not based on pre-determined hypotheses Identify problems or topic to explore, guided by a theoretical lens/framework

Approaches and Methods in Research

Process:
Data collection is methodological but allows for greater flexibility Data is textual form on the basis of observation and interaction with research participants No statistical calculations Data collection may be carried out in several stages, not once and for all May continue when finding new emerging issues

Approaches and Methods in Research

Principles: Researchers tend to use methods which give participants a degree of freedom and permits spontaneity rather than forcing the to select a form of predetermined responses Try to create the right atmosphere to enable people to express themselves Adopt a less rigid and less formal approach than quantitative

Approaches and Methods in Research

Principles: Involves a smaller number of participants Methods are more open-ended, less narrow, and more exploratory More in-depth

Discuss in Groups

Fraenkel, J. R. & Wallen, N. E. (2008).