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Strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research
Contrast qualitative & quantitative research
Strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research
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Overview of Qualitative Research Qualitative research utilizes different theoretical assumptions, such as approaches of inquiry, techniques of data collection, and analysis and understanding (Kakulu, 2014). A qualitative approach gives emphasis to the qualities of entities, processes and meanings that are not experimentally examined or measured in terms of quantity, amount, intensity or frequency (Denzin 2010). Therefore, (Denzin, 2010) described qualitative research the definitions, characteristics, meanings, concepts, metaphors, symbols, and description of things. The research questions often stress how social experience is created and given meaning. This type of inquiry stresses the relationship between the researcher and the participants, …show more content…
One of these disadvantages is the time and resources involved in collecting and analyzing qualitative data. A related concern involves depending on others for access to documents such as diaries, logs, and other records. Silverman (2013) suggested that training for qualitative research is also a concern. This disadvantage occurs when working in an environment where quantitative research is the norm and where qualitative research is not understood or appreciated. If a research has a lack of training in qualitative research or does not understand of qualitative methodologies, it can lead to other issues with qualitative research. The first issue would include applying quantitative methods in analysis of the qualitative analysis. The second issue would include approaching qualitative research with a quantitative mindset. Thirdly, would be a little description of how qualitative research studies were conducted. Researchers need to provide sufficient detail for their studies to be replicated so that readers can understand the basis on which interpretations have been
Thematic analysis is espoused to be the foundational approach to qualitative analysis and methods (Saunders et al., 2016 as stated in Braun and Clarke, 2006: 78) and it is a useful method used to identify and analyse the order and patterns of qualitative data (Attride-Stirling, 2001). Qualitative research method depicts the correlation that exists between data and events, creating the pictorial representation of what one thinks a given data says (Saunders et al., 2016). They also opined that, qualitative data analysis is cogent, interactive and iterative. Also, Joana and Jill (2011) and Saunders et al (2016) postulate that, qualitative research brings meanings from words and images as opposed to numbers. However, despite its robustness and rigour of its application, it is skewed more to the interpretivist ideologies since researchers draw conclusion from participants and the hypothesis being forecasted (Joana and Jill, 2011; Saunders et al., 2016).
Qualitative research is an approach that attempts to situate an activity that locates the observer in the world by providing the study to occur in their natural setting and by attempting to make sense of, or interpret information (Denzin and Lincoln, 2005). A characteristic of qualitative research is to use a variety of empirical materials such as personal experience, interviews, and questionnaires. It is imperative to understand the task at hand and how to fully carry out the study when using a qualitative research approach in order to find out the information needed. One view of qualitative research is it involves examining individual’s experiences and documenting those experiences in detail (Jones, 2011). By documenting these observations the researcher is ensuring validity in his or her data and giving the correct creditability to those who participated in the study.
Richards and Schwartz (2002) listed four potential risks to research participants in qualitative studies. These are
Today the use of technology has become embedded into our daily lives. Most of western civilization has access to a piece of technology at any given point of time. In recent years, technology has started to play a significant role in the area of research. Quantitative research was quickly adapted and aided by technology due to the use of number variables, but the same was not true for qualitative research. In recent years, qualitative research was revolutionized by Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) software. Although, QDA software has a great deal of positive aspect, there are drawbacks in the utilization.
On the other hand, Shank (2002) defines qualitative research as a form of systematic empirical inquiry into meaning. By systematic he means, planned, ordered, and public, following rules, agreed upon by members of the qualitative research community. By empirical, he means that thi...
qualitative research method used by the authors to leads to the findings of four main axis involve in how
It provides insights in to the problem or helps to develop ideas or hypotheses. Qualitative data comes from nature, and it has implications for both its collection and its analysis. However it deals with huge number of raw data such as visual data, observation and documents and interviews with individuals (QRCA, 2015; Saunders, Lewis, &, Thornhill, 2000, p. 188).
In this paper, I will define quantitative and qualitative research methods and provide examples in the context of social issues which will hopefully provide insight into how this methods are properly applied.
What hypothesis do you believe was being tested by this data? Explain why you believe that.
This essay intends to compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of the quantitative and qualitative approaches to research which addresses young people and bullying using two journal articles. The first article (quantitative) aims to “establish the relationship between recurrent peer victimisation and the onset of reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in the early teen years” (Bond et al. 2001, p. 480) while the second article (qualitative) aims to “investigate the nature of teenage girls’ indirect aggression” (Owens et al. 2000, p. 70).The two articles will be critically compared in terms of research design, methods used, approach to data analysis, reported results and the plausibility and appropriateness of the conclusions and recommendations posed. The aim of this essay is thus to evaluate and assess the methods of social science research currently undertaken in published research.
When a qualitative approach seems to make the most sense, the task becomes one of selecting the qualitative method or methods to be used. A number of different ways of framing qualitative methods exist. Lee, Mitchell, and Sablynski (1999) use purposes (e.g., theory generation, theory elaboration, theory testing, or critical theory), research design (e.g., case study, ethnography, and in-depth interviews), and analytic data techniques (e.g., grounded theory approaches, pattern matching in case study research, and hermeneutic techniques as a way of categorizing types of qualitative research. Creswell (1998) speaks of the following “five traditions” of qualitative inquiry: biography, phenomenological study, grounded theory study, ethnography, and case study. Merriam (2002b) is the most comprehensive in her discussion of types of qualitative research, suggesting that the following eight approaches are the most common:
AC 1.1, 2.1, 2.2 The qualitative research method involves analysing data, such as words, pictures or objects. It is more subjective, and requires the researcher to interpret data in order to form thematic ideas. Quantitative research can gather a large amount of data that can be easily organised and manipulated into reports for analysis. It often includes one-on-one interviews. It utilises open-ended questions.
Research methodology is analogous to a kaleidoscope (Cunningham, 2000). Just as a kaleidoscope reveals different shapes and colours of objects to the viewer depending on the angle at which it is held, a methodology provides different observations on phenomena for the researcher depending on how it is employed and implemented.
Qualitative research was designed as a way to be directly connected with the subjects researched. Participant researchers may choose to merely observe and collect data or to be an active participant. Covert participation has the advantage of reducing the “reactive effects” of the social setting or group (Bachman & Schutt, 2012). Most researchers who use the participation method of research will often strike a balance between participation and observation. Through participation, an observer may gain the trust of the research subjects which can provide more fruitful results. Some research may however be unethical or a violation of law. A good researcher should use prudence beforehand when crafting their research design.
Qualitative data analysis is the process of transforming data into information, information into understanding and understanding into knowledge (Davenport & Prusak, 1998). Furthermore, qualitative data analysis can be described as a blend of scientific studies and artistic style to create an innovative product. The research acts as the primary research tool, and must be able to sustain composer throughout the entire study. In addition, the researcher must be able to pay attention to the small details of the study, without losing sight of the big picture of the study (Chenail, 2012).