Analysis of the Qualitative,Quantitative & Mixes Research Methods

The two major types of research are qualitative and quantitative, in some situations – mixed research is applied. Each type of research is done with the use of concrete methods of data collection, some of them are more widely applied, others – are applied only in concrete situations. Further in this paper the analysis of qualitative, quantitative and mixed types of research will be provided with consideration of the examples of the data collection tools and critical evaluation of their advantages and disadvantages; separate attention will be paid to the various challenges, related to research conduction.

As it was already mentioned, usually any data are collected via quantitative or qualitative methods. Qualitative research is actually a study of what people think or feel and why they think or feel so. In order to understand the concrete reasons of people’s behavior in this or that situation, to reveal the main obstacles, which are able to impact their behavior, the application of qualitative research is necessary. This type of research could not be used for making any statistic conclusions. Quantitative research in its turn is the evaluation of how people think, feel and behave, based on statistical analysis, which would be the key factor, determining the results of the research. It is possible to get the concrete information, how many individuals support this or that idea, how strong is their support, then after making the conclusions, it is possible to introduce any changes, in case it is necessary. This is evident that both methods have their strong and weak points. Qualitative research could be beneficial for making conclusions about further effects and consequences of some facts. This type of research is easier to conduct, also it takes less time. At the same time it is not possible to generalize the results of the research, it is possible to apply them only to a concrete group of people, who were involved. Quantitative researches are appreciated for the low cost for their implementation, standardized data received, which is certainly much easier to analyze and make the necessary conclusions. At the same time, quantitative research is limited to the frames of concrete figures, which are not often able to be used for providing the explanation for unexpected differences. Often this type of research is characterized by “lack of necessary resources to ensure rigorous implementation of surveys and frequently experienced low participation and loss to follow up rates are commonly experienced factors” (Legard, Keegan, Ward, 2003).

One of the universal ways of solving of some of the problems, related to quantitative and qualitative researches, is the application of the so-called mixed – methodology researches. In some situations both researches need to be used, but at different stages, for example at the beginning it is possible to apply the quantitative research for indentifying the important key factors, which would be pointed out by people. Afterwards, in order to have the clearer picture of the main reasons of these priorities, it is necessary to add qualitative research, which would help to understand the main reasons and the people’s choice, as well as would add some details, important for explaining the degree of their satisfaction or non-satisfaction.

One of the most widely applied tools of qualitative research is interview. Generally interviews are subdivided into structured, unstructured and semi-structured. “Structured interviews are, essentially, verbally administered questionnaires, in which predetermined questions are asked, with little or no variation and with no scope for follow-up questions to responses that warrant further elaboration” (Given, 2008). They are quickly to conduct and easy to analyze. At the same time they could be applied only for surface analysis. Unstructured interviews could be characterized by less or no organization and are time-consuming. Usually the first question is defined; the rest questions will depend upon the answer to the first question. “Semi-structured interviews consist of several key questions that help to define the areas to be explored, but also allows the interviewer or interviewee to diverge in order to pursue an idea or response in more detail” (Given, 2008). One of the usual spheres of application of this method – is healthcare.

Another widespread method for qualitative research is work with focus groups. This tool is very close to less structured interviews, but is not limited to only collecting of information from many participants. Focus group – a group of participants, which were united for concrete discussion, whereas the process of the discussion, the results are monitored and recorded by the person, conducting the research.

Talking about quantitative research it is possible to distinguish two main tools – interviews and questionnaires. Interviews could be face –to face – which is the best form for developing of the positive interaction between the researcher and the interviewed person; telephone interviews – are less expensive and occupy less time, provide unlimited possibilities to reach people all over the world, being geographically independent. The third type is computer assisted personal interviewing – a person enters all the information directly into the database with the help of his computer. This type of interviews is really time-saving. Questionnaires are also widely applied as quantitative method tool. Paper – pencil – questionnaires are usually rather rewarding, as they are made anonymously. One of the flaws – is the fact that not all people, who received the questions, come back with filled-in answers. Web-based questionnaires are made via Internet based research. It is rather quick, however could not be in use for people, who don’t have the access to the Internet.

 

Ethics is involved in various forms into all spheres of human lives. Actually all professions, institutions, disciplines have the list of the concrete norms and ethical rules. These rules and norms are necessary for the members to be able to coordinate their activities with the aim of establishment of public’s trust. Certainly ethical norms are vitally important for conducting of various types of researches, at the same time involving political, financial, procedural challenges.   It is vitally important to follow the ethical norms for conducting a research. First of all in order to avoid mistakes, untruthful results, wrong knowledge, any kind of fabricating and falsifying is prohibited. Secondly, with the aim of development of productive cooperation with people from various groups, organizations, it is necessary to secure trust, responsibility, mutual respect. “Third, many of the ethical norms help to ensure that researchers can be held accountable to the public. For instance, federal policies on research misconduct, conflicts of interest, the human subjects protections, and animal care and use are necessary in order to make sure that researchers who are funded by public money can be held accountable to the public.” (Legard, Keegan, Ward, 2003).

The fourth example is related to public support, which is important for the research. People would be ready to participate in any research both physically and financially, only under the condition, that they are sure of its quality and integrity. One of the examples of procedural challenges could be related to experiences of international research projects. There are certain cross-national procedural requirements, which need to be thoroughly considered by all sides to avoid loss of time, effort and potentially incorrect results of the research.

Overall, this paper provided a brief analysis of the qualitative, quantitative and mixes research methods, considering some of the examples of the tools, applied by each, along with advantages and disadvantages of the methods; separate attention was paid to the ethical and procedural challenges, which are related to any research method.

 

 References:

 Given, L. M. (2008). The Sage encyclopedia of qualitative research methods. Los Angeles, Calif.: Sage Publications.

Greene, J. C.,  Caracelli, V. J. (2003). Making paradigmatic sense of mixed methods practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Kitzinger J. (1994). The methodology of focus groups: the importance of interaction between research participants. Social Health Illinois

Legard R, Keegan J, Ward K. (2003). In-depth interviews. Qualitative research practice: a guide for social science students and researchers. London: Sage Publications

Silverman D. (2000). Doing qualitative research. London: Sage Publications

The terms offer and acceptance. (2016, May 17). Retrieved from

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016.

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

freeessays.club (2016) The terms offer and acceptance [Online].
Available at:

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]
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