Steps used in quantitative research and steps used in qualitative research - Essay Example

Research Steps Steps Used in Quantitative Research Nieswiadomy outlines the main steps of quantitative research as being; theory, hypothesis, research design, devising measures of concepts, selection of the research site, selection of the research subjects or respondents, administration of the research instruments and the collection of data, processing of data, data analysis, findings and drawing the conclusions, and writing up of the research report. During the theory step, the researcher identifies the problem that is to be studied and conducts a review of prior literature on the particular problem area.

This is then followed up by the articulation of research questions or hypothesis. These are usually the guiding pillars on what is to be achieved by the study. Designing the research study is the next important step and it usually guides the other research steps which include sample selection, data collection, analysis and interpretation. The interpretation step seeks to determine whether the study answers the research questions or whether it conforms to the stated hypothesis. This is followed by the drawing up of conclusions and the writing up of the final research report.

Steps Used In Qualitative ResearchQualitative research can be conducted in 10 steps. The first and second steps involve the choosing of a subject or the area of study, as well as choosing the approach to be used. Choosing the approach is also referred to as designing the study, and this step encompasses a number of steps that include the review of literature, the formulation of research questions, statement of the purpose of the research, and sampling (Chenail, 2011). During sampling, aspects such as the target population, the appropriate sample, sample selection methods are addressed since they directly impact on the data collection and analysis methods to be used.

The next step involves the addressing of the ethical concerns associated with the study. Other steps include data collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation of the findings, and the writing of the final report.ReferencesChenail, R.J. (2011) Ten Steps for Conducting Qualitative Research Studies in a Pragmatically Curious Manner. The Qualitative Report, 2011: 16(6);1713-1730.Nieswiadomy, R.M. (2011) Foundations of Nursing Research. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.