Methods CASE1 - Research Paper Example

RESEARCH METHODS CASE1 Research Methods Case The research process is a systematic way in which researchers find solutions to problems in hand. It involves a sequence of steps used to bring out information that is trustworthy and reliable. Research helps in providing facts about a subject in a study. The steps involved with conducting a research include: identifying the problem at hand, setting a hypothesis, planning methods of collecting data, collection of data, analysis of data, stating the findings, drawing of the conclusion with respect to the findings and finally presenting the research work (Ginorio, 2009).

Qualitative research involves exploring phenomena from an inside point of view, and it provides to the researcher a complex comprehension about the subject in study ( (Rubinstein, 2010). Quantitative research involves studying the behavior of phenomena under controlled conditions that, acquiring quantitative data on the basis of accurate dimensions and generalizable findings (Johnson & Christensen, 2011). Mixed research involves the mixing of both quantitative and qualitative research paradigms.

Action research involves observation and collecting of data that will help the researcher to come up solutions of solving indigenous problems (Johnson & Christensen, 2011). The strength of quantitative research is that, it is beneficial when studying a narrow number of subjects deeply as it gives a complex description of phenomena. Qualitative research assists quantitative research. Quantitative research on its own has the advantage that, it can be independently used for studying a large number of phenomena as it has some quantitative methods of collecting data that are comparatively quick (Ndunda, 2004).

Being a combination of both qualitative and quantitative techniques is itself strength of the mixed research and hence it can be used for studying a large number of phenomena. Mixed research provides precise, quantitative and numerical data. The advantage of action research is that it involves practitioners who develop their own theories from their own practice gained.Experimental research can be used in a classroom situation, specifically, in grade eight to find out whether discussion groups help in an individual’s academic performance.

Here, students are organized in two groups. The first group of students is made to study individually while, the students in the second group are further sub-divided into study-groups of four. After two weeks of study, the two groups are to be given an individual self-test from which the performance of the students is to be noted.An example of a case study in higher education institutions is to find out the causes of student riots in various public universities. This can be done by gathering information through performing interviews, having students fill questionnaires and reviewing previous researches.

From analysis of the findings, a conclusion can then be drawn.ReferencesGinorio, A. (2009). The Scientific Method: A Model for Conducting Scientific Research: Rural Girls in Science Program. Retrieved October 9, 2012, from University of Washington: http://depts.washington.edu/rural/RURAL/design/scimethod.htmlGray, P. (2010). Foundations for the study of psychology. New York: Worth Publishers.Griffiths, M. (1998). Educational research for social justice: Getting off the fence. Doing qualitative research in educational settings.

New York: Open University Press.Johnson, R. B., & Christensen, L. (2011, May). Introduction to Educational Research. Retrieved October 9, 2012, from University of South Alabama: http://www.southalabama.edu/coe/bset/johnson/lectures/lec1.htmLichtman, M. (200). Qualitative Research in Education: A Users Guide. California: Sage.MCQuarrie, E. F. (2005). Market Research Toolbox: A concise guide for beginners. California: Sage.Ndunda, M. (2004). Introduction to educational research. Retrieved October 9, 2012, from College of Charleston: http://www.cofc.edu/~ndundam/NOTESSPRING2001/635chapt1.

htm Rubinstein, R. (2010). Qualitative research: core concepts. Sydney: The University of Sydney.