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2. Logical induction/deduction
4. Reductive generalisation
5. Replicable methodology.
Qualitative research is characterised by its aims, which relate to understanding some aspect of social
life, and its methods which (in general) generate words, rather than numbers, as data for analysis.
Qualitative research is empirical research where the data are not in the form of numbers (Punch, 1998,
p. 4)
Reliability
Joppe (2000) defines reliability as:
The extent to which results are consistent over time and an accurate representation of
the total population under study is referred to as reliability and if the results of a study
can be reproduced under a similar methodology, then the research instrument is
considered to be reliable. (p. 1)
Validity
Joppe (2000) provides the following explanation of what validity is in quantitative
research:
Validity determines whether the research truly measures that which it was intended to
measure or how truthful the research results are. In other words, does the research
instrument allow you to hit "the bulls eye" of your research object? Researchers
generally determine validity by asking
Phenomenology -a form of research in which the researcher attempts to understand how one
or more individuals experience a phenomenon
Ethnography-this type of research focuses on describing the culture of a group of people. A
culture is the shared attributes, values, norms, practices, language, and material things of a
group of people
Case study is a form of qualitative research that is focused on providing a detailed account of
one or more case .
Grounded theory- it is an inductive type of research, based or grounded in the observations of
data from which it was developed; it uses a variety of data sources, including quantitative data,
review of records, interviews, observation and surveys
Historical research-it allows one to discuss past and present events in the context of the present
condition, and allows one to reflect and provide possible answers to current issues and
problems. Eg:-the lending pattern of business in the 19th century.
RESEARCH DESIGNS
HISTORICAL This aims at a systematic and objective evaluation and synthesis of evidence in order to
establish facts and draw conclusions about past events.
DESCRIPTIVE
This design relies on observation as a means of collecting data. It attempts to examine situations in order
to establish what is the norm, i.e. what can be predicted to happen again under the same circumstances.
CORRELATION
This design is used to examine a relationship between two concepts. There are two broad classifications
of relational statements: an association between two concepts where there is some kind of
influence of one on the other; and a causal relationship where one causes changes to occur in the
other. Causal statements describe what is sometimes called a cause and effect relationship. The cause
is referred to as the independent variable, the variable that is affected is referred to as the dependent
variable.
COMPARATIVE
This design is used to compare past and present or different parallel situations,
particularly when the researcher has no control over events. It
can look at situations at different scales, macro (international, national) or micro
(community, individual). Analogy is used to identify similarities in order to predict results
assuming that if two events are similar
in certain characteristics, they could well be similar in others too. In this way
comparative design is used to explore and test what conditions were necessary to
cause certain events, so that it is possible, for example, to understand the likely effects
of making certain decisions.
EXPERIMENTAL
Experimental research attempts to isolate and control every relevant condition which determines
the events investigated and then observes the effects when the conditions are manipulated. At
its simplest,changes are made to an independent variable and the effects are observed on a
dependent variable i.e. cause and effect.
SIMULATION
Simulation involves devising a representation in a small and simplified form (model) of a system, which
can be manipulated to gauge effects.
Useful during the early stages of a study when the researcher may be unsure of exactly what
will be studied or what to focus on.
Does not need a strict design plan before it begins, which gives the freedom to let the study
unfold more naturally.
Researcher interprets the research according to his or her own biased view, which
skews the data gathered.
Used to test hypotheses in experiments because of its ability to measure data using
statistics
Allows the researcher to measure and analyze data.
Disadvantages of quantitative research
Which of the following is not a general feature that characterizes most qualitative
research?
a.inflexible design
b. naturalistic inquiry
c. holistic perspective
d. personal contact and insight
The study of a single individual and his or her experiences as told to the researcher
or found in documents and archival material describes which approach to
qualitative research?
A) biography
B) case study
C) phenomenology
D) grounded
A) is not creative.
B) oversimplifies.
d. It is impossible for the researcher to stand apart from the individuals he or she is
studying.