A Variety of Research Methods for Studying Responses to Romance - Literature review Example

A Scan of the Annotated Bibliography The research methods used in the various studies in the literature review suited the particular topics the researchers were working on. The experimental studies mentioned in the annotated bibliography needed accurate measures for the variables they were finding relationships for so manipulation of the situation was necessary. This was more of a scientific research because it studied physiological responses to romance. Social sciences likewise conduct social experiments and use both obtrusive and unobtrusive methods of observation and gathering of data. Qualitative research uses a naturalistic approach that seeks to understand phenomena in context-specific settings. In contrast, quantitative methods are, in general, supported by the positivists’ paradigm, which characterizes that the world is made up of observable and measurable facts. Positivists assume that a fixed measurable reality exists external to people (Glesne, 1999). On the other hand, qualitative methods are generally supported by the interpretivist (also referred to as constructivist) who portrays the world in which reality is socially constructed, complex, and ever changing. Each represents a fundamentally different inquiry paradigm and researcher actions are based on the underlying assumptions of each paradigm. The non-experimental studies used a variety of research methods such as observations, interviews, survey, questionnaires, etc. The data for these studies were mostly the responses of participants and self-reports and were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The wealth of research on various topics on romance provided a credible backdrop for the analysis of data. Glesne (1999) states that qualitative researchers seek out a variety of perspectives; they do not reduce the multiple interpretations to a norm. She adds that in qualitative research, face-to-face interactions are the predominant distinctive feature and also the basis for its most common problem. Such problem she states include researchers’ involvement with the people they study and the accompanying challenges, and opportunities that such closeness brings. Straus and Corbin (1990) claim that qualitative methods can be used to better understand any phenomenon about which little is yet known. They can also be used to gain new perspectives on things about which much is already known, or to gain more in-depth information that may be difficult to convey quantitatively, or where the researcher has determined that quantitative measures cannot adequately describe or interpret a situation. As mentioned in the previous assignment, my own study on romance will be using qualitative, descriptive research methods. It may be easier to come up with a more experimental design, however, the sensitive topic at hand may be subject to ethical considerations if variables will be manipulated. Also, much as measuring physiological responses of subjects in relation to romance would be incredibly interesting, constraints on time and resources are likewise taken in consideration. Not to say that more qualitative research methods take less time. Longitudinal studies such as Conger et al’s (2000) observation of some youth’s romantic interactions as related to the family interactions they grew up in took seven long years! The time factor was essential since this took on a developmental perspective. However, a lot may have happened in between the observations, and confounding variables may cloud the reliability and validity of the results unless precautionary measures were not put in place. The use of video recording to document the observations was a wise decision on the part of the researchers, as coding of the behaviors to be observed and analyzed and inter-rater reliability may be a way to increase objectivity. There were some studies that employed culling of data by sorting certain concepts into categories. One example is Tolhuizen’s study (1989). Participants identified and clustered communication and intensification strategies in dating relationships. This way, it is apparent that participants had more control in the study as their opinions mattered and were valued and were eventually used as contribution to the research literature. In Feiring’s study on the “Concepts of Romance in 15-year old Adolescents”, the subjects’ views and definitions of romance and what may attract them to a potential romantic partner provided the meat of the research and has likewise contributed much to knowledge on teen perceptions of romantic relationships. Cramer & Donachie (1999), Sakalli-Ugurlu (2003) and Assad et al (2007) used questionnaires in their studies. Levine et al (2006) asked participants to rate certain variables such as desirable characteristics, initiation and intensification strategies and love styles. Campbell et al (2004) describe questionnaires as: “…a very versatile data-gathering method; they are cheap, easy to administer, whether it be to three people or 300, and can be used to gather a great variety of data of both quantitative and qualitative nature.” Campbell et al, 2004, p. 146). Cohen et al (2000) also praises the use of questionnaires for their efficiency. They allow an efficient use of the researcher’s time, as they can collect a significant amount of information in one attempt, rather than conducting interviews over a period of weeks. Gillham (2000) also highlights that questionnaires make efficient use of the respondent’s time, as they can complete the questionnaire at a time that is suitable to them and does not require the researcher and respondent to match free periods of time to conduct the research. Cohen et al (2000) and Gillham (2000) emphasize the usefulness of questionnaires for ensuring the participants anonymity, which in this study, may be requested due to its very sensitive and controversial nature. If the respondents cannot be identified, they may be more willing to write about issues and opinions more openly than they would in a face-to-face situation. It could be argued then that questionnaires are therefore most likely to generate more truthful answers as there is no personal contact with the interviewer. However, a disadvantage of using questionnaires is that the only data collected is a variety of tick boxes and brief responses, which means the data tends to have more ‘breadth’ than ‘depth’. This results from the lack of an interviewer to prompt for further information or more detail in their answers and they cannot interpret questions for the participant who is unclear about what is being asked. This may result in each participant having to decipher what they are being asked independently and may resort to their own subjective understanding of the questions. Most of the studies used interviews as a way of gathering data (Feiring, 1996; Giordano et al, 2006; Green et al, 2007; Assad, 2007). With interviews, misinterpretations of the questions may be avoided and clarified immediately with the interviewer. Interviews can also probe responses and investigate motives and feelings on the topic at hand. However, the main disadvantage of interviews is the fact that the interviewee may distort information through recall error for example or a desire to please the interviewer. Furthermore, a trained interviewer may be required to conduct the interviews to maintain objectivity and to draw out valid information from the interviewees. Another research method utilized in the studies is a thorough review of existing literature. Moss & Schwebel (2001) searched for definitions of “intimacy”. Leone & Hawkins’ (2006) reviewed self-monitoring patterns Leone & Hawkins’ (2006) in close relationships. The available literature already reports data, which has been gathered and analyzed by competent researchers in the field. The researcher is in a position to compare existing literature and discern which information will best answer the questions pertaining to this current research study. The topic of interest at hand needs a variety of research methods in an attempt to come up with a thorough study on romance as its contribution to the growing literature. I am aware that the concepts and variables I want to explore are not easily measurable; hence, the information/data for this research would come from research literature and experiences shared by couples in romantic relationships. A set of questions related to the research questions posted shall be drawn up to be asked of the couples via questionnaires or interviews. A qualitative comparative analysis shall be done using the data gathered. Much knowledge was gleaned from the review of literature and the research methodologies used. Such knowledge will now be put to good use in my own study which hopefully will not disappoint the “models” I have come to emulate in research. I wish to do the previous researchers on romance proud. References Assad, K. K., Donnellan, M.B. & Conger, R.D., (2007) “Optimism: An Enduring Resource for Romantic Relationships”, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol. 93, No. 2, 285–297 Campbell, A, McNamara, O and Gilroy, P (2004) Practitioner Research and Professional Development in Education, London: Paul Chapman Cohen, L, Manion, L and Morrison, K (2000) Research Methods in Education, 5th Ed. London: Routledge Falmer Conger, R.D., Cui, M., Bryant, C.M. & Elder, Jr., G.H. (2000) “Competence in Early Adult Romantic Relationships: A Developmental Perspective on Family Influences”, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2000, Vol. 79, No. 2, 224-237 Cramer, D. & Donachie, M., (1999) “Psychological Health and Change in Closeness in Platonic & Romantic Relationships”, The Journal of Social Psychology, Vol. 139, No. 6, pp. 762-767 Feiring, C. (1996) “Concepts of Romance in 15-Year-Old Adolescents”, Journal Of Research On Adolescence, 6(2), 181-200 Gillham, B (2000) Developing a Questionnaire, London: Continuum Giordano, P. C. , Longmore, M.A. & Manning, W.D. (2006) “Gender and the Meanings of Adolescent Romantic Relationships: A Focus on Boys”, American Sociological Review, 2006, VOL. 71 Glesne, C. (1999) Becoming Qualitative Researcher: An Introduction 2nd Ed. Longman, An imprint of Addison Wesley Longman, Inc. Green, J.D., Campbell, W.K., Davis, J.L. (2007) “Ghosts From the Past: An Examination of Romantic Relationships and Self-Discrepancy”, The Journal of Social Psychology, 2007, 147(3), 243–264 Leone, C. and Hawkins, L.B.,(2006) “Self-Monitoring and Close Relationships”, Journal of Personality 74:3 Levine, T.R., Aune, K. S. & Park, H.S., (2006) “Love Styles and Communication In Relationships: Partner Preferences, Initiation, and Intensification”, Communication Quarterly Vol. 54, No. 4, November 2006, pp. 465–486 Moss, B.F., & Schwebel, A.I., (2001) “Defining Intimacy in Romantic Relationships”, Family Relations, 1993, 42, 31-37. Sakalli-Ugurlu, N., (2003) “How Do Romantic Relationship Satisfaction, Gender Stereotypes and Gender Relate to Future Time Orientation in Romantic Relationships?”, The Journal of Psychology, 137(3), 294- 303 Strauss, A. & Corbin, J. (1990). Basics of qualitative research: Grounded theory procedures and techniques. London: Sage. Tolhuizen, J. H. (1989). Communication strategies for intensifying dating relationships: Identification, use and structure. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 6, 413–434. Read More