Research Methods

I. Introduction to Research

A. Definition of Research

Research is a methodical, scientific research that follows predetermined steps for assembling data and generating findings.

Research seeks to comprehend and respond to a certain issue or query.

B. Purpose of Research Methods

The procedures and strategies used to effectively conduct research are known as research methodologies.

They are essential for achieving trustworthy and accurate findings.

II. Qualitative Research Methods

A. Purpose of Qualitative Methods

To examine how policies affect outcomes, qualitative research approaches are employed.

They are crucial for thorough policy analysis, combined with quantitative techniques.

The particular study question will choose the qualitative method to use.

B. Examples of When to Use Qualitative Methods

Analyze the program's success in lowering smoking rates.

Identify the difficulties in giving up smoking.

Investigate the effect of shifting neighborhoods on educational achievement while taking personal experiences into account.

C. Qualitative Research Characteristics

An inductive approach 

Start with a broad question, look for patterns, form hypothese, test them, and repeat.

Iterative rather than sequential 

Rather than doing all of your interviews at once, adjust the research procedure as you go.

Don't worry too much about how many of the stories are similar; instead, concentrate on getting a variety of experiences.

Embraces complexity and tries to grasp nuances and context.

Adopts a social constructivist viewpoint while recognizing multiple facts.

D. Qualitative Methods' Advantages

Ideal for learning about new topics and phenomena.

Reveals information on the attitudes and experiences of the participants.

Produces thorough descriptions and aids in the comprehension of systems and processes.

Explains the "why" behind why something worked or didn't work by answering "why" questions.

III. Quantitative Research Methods

A. Purpose of Quantitative Methods

Data are methodically gathered, analyzed, and quantified using quantitative procedures.

They seek to identify trends, connections, and draw conclusions based on statistics.

B. Examples of When to Use Quantitative Methods

Analyze how a new medicine affects a sizable population.

Examine how income and educational attainment are related.

To acquire quantitative information about public opinion, conduct surveys.

C. Quantitative Research Characteristics

Deductive approach: 

Start with a specific hypothesis, gather data to test it, and then use statistical analysis to derive conclusions.

Ways for gathering highly organized data, such surveys and experiments.

Focuses on statistical analysis of numerical data.

IV. Mixed Methods Research

A. Purpose of Mixed Methods

Study using mixed methods combines qualitative and quantitative methodologies to provide a thorough grasp of a study problem.

Concurrently or sequentially, data are gathered, and integration occurs during the analysis stage.

B. How Researchers Can Apply These Methods

Selection of Research Methods: 

Depending on the study question, choose between qualitative, quantitative, or a combination of the two.

Data Collection: 

Obtain data via observations, experiments, questionnaires, and interviews.

Data Analysis: 

Utilize the right qualitative and quantitative methodologies for analyzing data.

Reporting and Interpretation: 

For a comprehensive understanding, combine the results of the two approaches.

Ethical Considerations: 

In study involving human participants, abide by ethical standards.

V. Comparing Qualitative and Quantitative Research

A. Analytical Objectives

The analytical goals of qualitative and quantitative research are different, with the former emphasizing understanding and the latter measuring.

B. Data Types

Non-numerical data from sources including interviews, observations, and texts are used in qualitative research.

In quantitative research, numbers are gathered through well-structured tests, surveys, and evaluations.

C. Data Collection Instruments

Open-ended inquiries are used in qualitative research to elicit comprehensive insights.

Structured experiments or questionnaires are used in quantitative research to gather data.

VI. Sampling in Qualitative Research

A. Purposive Sampling

Involves choosing participants based on a particular objective or trait.

B. Quota Sampling

Ensures diversity by creating a sample with preset features.

C. Snowball Sampling

For populations that are difficult to reach, existing participants can refer new participants.

VII. Ethical Guidelines in Qualitative Research

A. Ethical Considerations

The ethical standards that researchers must follow include gaining informed consent, maintaining participant confidentiality, and limiting harm.