Mixing Methods in Psychology - Thesis Proposal Example

Methodology This researcher proposes to employ a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Some researchers have actually referred to this approach as the hybrid method, implying a form of synergy from two divergent paradigms (Todd, Nerlich, McKeown and Clarke 2004, pp.14). It is expected that the resulting model will be able to address the recognized weaknesses of each. There is the case of Flick (2008, pp. 93), for example, who explained that the widely recognized tendency for generality in the case of qualitative research can be addressed through the addition of quantitative findings whereas qualitative findings can facilitate the relationships of the variables in quantitative data sets. This argument is particularly important in consideration of the fact that there are authors in the extant literature on research methodologies who explain that both of these methods could be at odds with each other, suggesting a degree of inefficacy (i.e. Poggie, DeWalt and Dressler, 1992, pp. 132). However, this researcher agrees with Flick’s position and further argues that effective features of each model should be adopted and reconciled so that identified research approaches from both paradigms complement each other, resulting to a more effective method of investigation. Naturally, the hybrid model proposed would mean that this study will utilize a number of research tools and techniques. For instance, data will be gathered using interviews, surveys and secondary sources and they will be presented as empirical data in the research discussion and analysis. The structure of the research is a logical flow of stages that incorporate qualitative and quantitative techniques. This is depicted in Fig. 1. It shows how the study would begin with interviewing resource persons. The focus group technique can prove to be invaluable at this stage. Once, approved, this researcher will devise a structured interview at once involving three to five stakeholders or industry resource persons. The purpose is to gain a significant knowledge and first-hand data on specific issues that would provide the insights necessary in developing a more effective questionnaire and research techniques. In the focus group interview, participants will be asked to respond to questions and allowed to respond to each other’s answers as well. Fig. 1: Research Design Secondary sources will complement the data from the focus group interview. This will not only inform the next step in the study but also provide collaborative evidences and sources for comparative analysis. These sources would include journals, other texts published on the subject, internet sources, especially documents released and published by organizations and individuals in the construction industry. The next step will involve a survey, hence a need for a questionnaire. The target group is composed of stakeholders and project managers in 25 construction firms in the United Arab Emirates. The survey population can range from 25 to 50 respondents. This researcher, as has been previously explained, is of the opinion that the number is an acceptable median that can provide some semblance of valid representation of the population without claiming too much time in the tabulation of survey results. Also, qualitative data are also being gathered and incorporated, so it should augment and enrich the study’s findings for purposes of validity. The survey will utilize a simple probability sampling method. Hall’s proposed model for this type of approach is particularly helpful and will, hence, be used. Here, a respondent is considered as a sampling frame in order to be able to choose a sample of volunteers from among the list taken from industry directory or similar resource in United Arab Emirates. According to Hall (2008, pp. 189), “the random sample may be chosen by reference to a table of random numbers or generated by a computer using a random number generator.” The survey stage may be implemented into two stages. This researcher plans to conduct a pilot survey, employing the random sampling method in a smaller scale. For example, a questionnaire will be sent out to five respondents randomly selected from a population of 25. The idea is to determine errors and calibrate the questionnaire for the actual survey afterwards. Finally, it is also important to cite that the research assessment and evaluation of the collected data and results would be undertaken within the qualitative model. Here, a thematic analysis model might be useful. The importance of this qualitative research tool is its use of coding, which provides a framework by which themes or concepts contained in the data gathered can be identified. According to Ezzy (2003), through this model, the researcher is able to build a systematic account of what has been observed and documented, allowing theorizing to emerge as well as linking data these emergent theories as well as existing ones All in all, the methodologies proposed is fundamentally aligned with linear progression of the academic research model – a problem of interest is identified, research is, then, undertaken, a thesis is formulated and the study, finally, commences with its discussion and its analyses. However, this researcher aims to go beyond this paradigm. A real-world, applied research will be attempted. Using traditional research methodologies, this study might be able to distinguish itself from academic research by actually trying to address a problem rather than merely gaining knowledge from the process. Indeed, if one follows Furnham’s (2005, pp. 42) requirements for applied inquiry, this study would most assuredly qualify since the parameters include: getting effects instead of mere relations between variables; focus on the development actual interventions, strategies and services rather than emphasis on theories; and research on the field rather than in the laboratory. Throughout all the stages of this research, there are anticipated ethical challenges. This is most certainly the case since ethical issues often arise in almost all stages of the research: the selection of sampling technique, data collection, the analysis of the findings and their interpretations. Moreover, there are also ethical concerns regarding the rights of survey participants, particularly when it comes to privacy, the anonymity of respondents and the use and confidentiality of the information that are provided. In order to address these ethical issues, this researcher will take great care in implementing several mechanisms to ensure that there are no breaches to ethical conduct. First, the research methodology will follow a systematic and scientific process, which would effectively remove personal bias in the information gathering. Then, third party resource persons will also be consulted in order to ensure that the process as well as the research methods and tools employed were fair and legitimate. References Ezzy, D, 2003. Qualitative Analysis: Practice and Innovation, Routledge, London, 2003. Flick, U, 2009. An Introduction to Qualitative Research. SAGE Publications, London. Furnham, A, 2005. The psychology of behaviour at work: the individual in the organization. New York: Psychology Press. Hall R, 2008. Applied social research: planning, designing and conducting real-world research. Palgrave Macmillan Australia. Poggie, J., DeWalt, B. and Dressler, W., 1992. Anthropological research: process and application, New York: SUNY Press. Todd, Z, Nerlich, B, McKeown, S and Clarke D, 2004. Mixing methods in psychology: the integration of qualitative and quantitative methods in theory and practice. East Sussex: Psychology Press. Read More