Research methodology - Essay Example

This method’s main objective is to come up with general rules or principles. Examples of areas in which quantitative methods are applied include numerical methods (mathematical modeling), laboratory experiments, formal methods (econometrics) and surveys. Quantitative methods involve procedures which have to be followed to obtain expected result. First step the researcher collects variables which are then measured. The next step is to obtain the frequency distribution, measure of dispersion and location, get the probability, test the hypothesis and finally conduct statistical tests.

Its advantages are that it facilitates for broad study because it involves many subjects. It also avoids bias among researchers and enhances accuracy of results. This is because it applies many cases and few variables in a study hence precise and can be compared. Quantitative method has disadvantages such as leading to wrong presentation where the researcher gives personal views instead of analyzing the data. Its results provide numerical analysis thus limited. When carried out in a laboratory, its results are artificial in contrary to the real world (Bryman, and Cramer, 1999).

Qualitative method Qualitative methods emerged from social sciences. They enhance the study of cultural and social phenomena. It analyzes data according to categorization and quality of the given characteristics. Qualitative methods investigate human beings. They explore how individuals experience and see. Unlike quantitative analysis, it emphasizes on words other than quantities in the collection and examination of data. There are different types of qualitative research: interactive interviewing, written descriptions and observation.

Each qualitative research is guided by its own approach of investigation. To ensure quality research, there must be maintenance of details. Its advantage is in unfolding a lot of information about people’s lives in depth. It is relatively inexpensive as it deals with small groups at a time. Qualitative analysis also uses cheap measurement tools. Its drawbacks are that it is not convenient because it inhibits statistical data collection. More so, this method gives limited information: it collects details from a small, selected group (Hoepfl, 1999).

Mixed methods Statisticians prefer the term mixed model to mixed method. They based their argument on the fact that mixing is not just about the methods carried out in a research. Mixed method is a combination qualitative and quantitative research method. It adopts more than one research approach. It involves methods that are flexible hence appropriate for multiple studies. Mixed method may or may not contain a strategy. The method is used in mapping exercises and collection of the nation’s statistics data.

Today, mixed method is widely used because of its merits. In that, mixed methods combine many research methods hence offer an extraordinary opportunity for advancement. It also allows for the enhancement of skills. However, mixed methods can be tedious especially in the application of many research methods (Bazeley, 2003). Action research It is also known as participatory action research. It originated from social psychology. Action research involves a process which is reflective of progressively solving problems led by persons working together as a team.

The process entails being actively involved in an organization’