Research Methodological Approaches - Coursework Example

Research Methodological Approaches Name Institution Name Course Name and Code Date Executive Summary Collecting and analyzing information and data is important to accomplish the requirements of a study. It is important to understand the reasons for the study to enable employing the appropriate study strategy. Numerous methodological approaches exist, and the researcher has to determine the most appropriate strategy to achieve identified goals. Some of the methodological approaches include quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, and emancipatory. The researcher has to determine the appropriate method based on the needs and requirements of the respondents. In addition, the researcher may mix the different methods of improving the quality of the study. Therefore, a researcher may employ different methods to fulfill the requirements of a study. Introduction To accomplish academic requirements, numerous approaches and methods are employed. Attending lectures and seminars is one approach to study but collecting information from the respondents to make informed choices and decisions is another strategy. In understanding human behavior and attitudes, collecting information is important to enable making informed decisions. Numerous methods are available, and the researcher has to determine the appropriate method to employ in collecting the data. The paper discusses some of the methods commonly used in collecting and analyzing data/information from the respondents/sample/population. Quantitative Research Quantitative research is associated with post-positivist or positivist paradigm. It involves the collection and conversion of numeral data enabling the use of statistical methods to be employed resulting in drawing conclusions (Glasgow and Emmons, 2007). In collecting and converting the data, a researcher should define hypotheses, and determine the variables to be investigated (Silverman, 2010). The researcher will also need numerous tools including materials and instruments e.g. observation checklists, papers, and a defined action plan. Clearly defined procedure is also employed in collecting and preparing the data for statistical analysis (DeVon et al., 2007). The researcher further analyzes the data based on the association or relationship enabling discovery of relationship that exists (Bradley, Curry, and Devers, 2007). Most of the statistical analysis completes with a description of the study, and the research explains the implications of the findings in clear terms. In quantitative research, objectivity is integral. The researchers have to take optimum care to avoid their attitude, behavior or presence affecting the results. In addition, the researchers should examine their conclusions and methods for any possible bias (Cohen, Manion, and Morrison, 2013). Therefore, the researchers have to measure what they claim to measure, rather than to deviate from the expected study requirements. The details of the study should be definite; for example in the case of studying whether background music has a positive influence in a nursing home (DeVon et al., 2007). The research will have to determine the volume of the music, define what is considered the positive impact, and the type of music to be included (Creswell and Clark, 2007). These variables have to be considered in advance before proceeding with the study. The researcher also has to control the external factors that may influence the outcome of the results. For example, the person bringing the music should not engage or sing to the individuals in the nursing home because it can influence the decision and perception of the individuals (Creswell and Clark, 2007). Hence, control and advanced preparation are important to accomplishment the use of quantitative research methodology. The main approach of quantitative research is the use of deductive reasoning, which starts with a general view and moves towards specific view: top-down approach (Bryman and Bell, 2015). The validity of the study is shown to be dependent on one or numerous basis such as conditions, finding, prior statements being valid (DeVon et al., 2007). For example, the premise of an argument may be inaccurate meaning the argument itself is inaccurate. However, inductive reasoning may be employed in some instances to address complications, which may occur. In numerous researches, a researcher may not be in a position to access the members of a study group, and to address the problem, representative sample is used. A representative sample is used to understand the fundamentals and ideologies of the population (DeVon et al., 2007). The sampling strategy and the representative samples selection are based on statistical and theoretical approach (Bowling, 2014). For example, stratification and random samples may be used to improve the understanding of the population. It requires an understanding of the population before deciding the sampling strategy, and a number of representatives to be involved in the study (Creswell and Clark, 2007). The representative sample contributes to the determination of the effectiveness of the entire study. The following image summarizes the use of the quantitative approach to accomplishing the research requirements. The use of quantitative research has its strengths and weaknesses. The advantages of quantitative research are enabling the researcher to measure and analyze data (Creswell and Clark, 2007). It enables also understanding the relationship between dependent and independent variables is studied extensively (DeVon et al., 2007). Therefore, the researcher becomes more objective, and the analysis enables testing hypotheses in an experiment. The final results can be displayed in graphs and charts, which are easier to analyze and understand. There are also numerous disadvantages. The main disadvantage is the context of the experiment or study is ignored (Creswell and Clark, 2007). Quantitative research does not enable studying things in natural setting, or appreciating things differently based on views of different personalities. In addition, a large sample size representing the population has to be studied to present correct information, which can be used for generalization purposes (DeVon et al., 2007). Without large data, the accuracy of the study can be questioned. Qualitative Research Qualitative research method takes the approach of the social constructivist paradigm that emphasizes the socially constructed reality. It aims to record, analyze and attempt to uncover the underlying significance and meaning of human experience and behavior, including emotions, behaviors, and contradictory beliefs. The researcher employs the strategy through gaining the complex and rich understanding of people’s experiences (DeVon et al., 2007). The information collected is specific to an individual meaning that it becomes difficult to generalize any collected information to other larger groups. The qualitative research employs an inductive method in which the researcher looks for a pattern or develops a theory based on collected data. It can be seen as a bottom-up approach because the research moves from specific information to general information (Bowling, 2014). The study is not premised on predetermined hypotheses, but the theoretical lens usually guides it. The qualitative research approach is methodological in nature but allows certain levels of flexibility compared to alternative methods (Creswell and Clark, 2007). The data is collected in textual form and based on interaction with the participants or observation of the participants. The interaction also involves focus groups, in-depth interviews and participants’ observation. The data collection can be manipulated throughout the study through determining the right questions, and what information should be dropped (DeVon et al., 2007). It integrates the emerging and changing issues in solidifying the study requirements, and data collection methods. The principle of qualitative research is to allow the participants freedom to chose the appropriate communication process rather than forcing the respondents to base their views on predetermined responses (Creswell and Clark, 2007). It also enables the respondent to express themselves through creating the right atmosphere. Hence, it involves the employment of less rigid or less formal approach compared with quantitative research method. The understanding and attributes of respondents keep changing based on experiences, and limiting the study based on certain conditions may not present actual view of the study (Bernard, 2011). Therefore, the qualitative approach enables study that is more exploratory, less narrow and open-ended. The researchers are also able to proceed without the limitations of fulfilling certain requirements, and may continue querying the respondents through requesting for how, why and what. Qualitative research collects information from a smaller number of participants. It is attributed to the labor intensive and time constraints that are associated with in-depth interviews (Rolfe, 2006). In addition, the expected outcome is not for generalization meaning the small number of people is enough to understand their respective views. Even though these limitations exist, it does not mean the study becomes less scientific. Hence, understanding the reason for the study, informs the researcher on the appropriate course of action. In the use of qualitative research, numerous approaches exist depending on the expected study requirements. Some of the qualitative research approaches that may be employed include ethnography, phenomenology, field research and grounded theory (Bernard, 2011). These approaches target different requirements of the study. For example, ethnography aims to study an entire culture while phenomenology aims to address the philosophical aspects of the study, and it is commonly used in social work, sociology, and psychology. Therefore, a researcher is required to determine the appropriate qualitative research method to accomplish the requirements of the study. Mixed Methods: Pragmatic Approach to Research The pragmatic approach is employing a method that does not address the conflicting philosophical debates on methodology. The pragmatic researchers employ any of the procedures, techniques and methods associated with qualitative and quantitative research (Cohen, Manion, and Morrison, 2013). The pragmatic researchers understand each method has strengths and limitations, and sometimes the different approaches can complement each other (Bryman, 2015). The researcher employing this ideology may employ the different approaches at the same time; for example, the researcher may start with focus group or face to face interviews, and utilize the information collected to create a questionnaire (Smith, 2007). The questionnaire is then used to collect sample information from a population, and employ statistical analysis to accomplish the requirements of the study. Depending on the measures employed, the data collected can be analyzed through the employment of different techniques and methods (Neuman and Robson, 2012). However, in certain scenarios, it is possible to convert qualitative data into quantitative data, and vice verse; the approach is common because of challenges that may occur. The ability to employ different methodological approaches enables triangulation of the information (Cohen, Manion, and Morrison, 2013). The triangulation of the research comes in different forms include methodological, theory, investigator and data (Jensen, 2013). Through enabling such techniques, the quality of the study can be improved. However, biases and assertiveness should be capitalized to fulfill the requirements of the study. In other studies, it is possible to use quantitative and qualitative methods simultaneously. One of the research methods can be used first followed by the next in the second part of the study. The aim is to expand the study or to obtain some missing information (Cohen, Manion, and Morrison, 2013). For example, a qualitative study involving a focus group or in-depth interviews discussions may be used to obtain certain information, and then the information will be used to develop an attitude scale or experimental measure (Neuman and Robson, 2012). It furthers enables using statistical methods to understand the underlying assumptions of the data. Hence, the complementary approach of the pragmatic approach improves the quality of the entire study and prevents debates associated with the numerous research methods. Emancipatory: Participatory/Advocacy Approach to Research The method is employed in those areas in which the researcher thinks the situation or needs of people from vulnerable or marginalized groups are not approached appropriately. It is an emancipatory approach because the researcher aims to bring a positive change in the research objects. It is commonly seen as lacking a neutral stance because the researchers may aim to provide a political agenda resulting in giving the groups they study a voice (Cohen, Manion, and Morrison, 2013). Since the expected outcome of the study is to create positive change, it is important to engage the respondents throughout the study to prevent chances of further marginalization. The research may also employ a less neutral position compared to other scientific methods. It may include living within the subjects or interacting informally with the participants (Rubin and Babbie, 2016). The reporting of the results may employ personal terms such as direct quotes from the respondents/participants (Teddlie and Tashakkori, 2009). The argument against the strategy is a lack of subjectivity but without being objective, it becomes difficult to collect information on behavior, feelings and thoughts of the various members. Since the vulnerable persons in the community lack power, individuals in the community may collect the information, and utilize alternative measures to express the feelings of the community (Johnson, Onwuegbuzie and Turner, 2007). Hence, the objectivity aspect is important to understand the views and perspectives of marginalized and vulnerable individuals. Findings and What the Researcher has Learned Numerous methods exist that can be employed in collecting information from respondents, and utilizing the information to answer the study requirements. However, it is important to understand the study requirements, the circumstances surrounding the respondents, and availability of resources. Analyzing these variables enables understanding the appropriate method, and also determines the appropriate tools to be employed. Understanding the shortcomings of each of the method is also appropriate in employing measures to address the problem. The researcher may also employ different methods and processes to improve the quality or to accomplish the requirements of the study such as the use of the pragmatic process. Therefore, the expected requirements of the study should define the methodology to be employed. References Bernard, H.R. (2011) Research methods in anthropology: Qualitative and quantitative approaches. Washington, DC: Rowman Altamira. Bernard, H.R. (2011) Research methods in anthropology: Qualitative and quantitative approaches. Sydney: Rowman Altamira. Bowling, A. (2014) Research methods in health: investigating health and health services. London: McGraw-Hill Education (UK). Bowling, A. (2014) Research methods in health: investigating health and health services. California: McGraw-Hill Education (UK). Bradley, E.H., Curry, L.A. and Devers, K.J. (2007) Qualitative data analysis for health services research: developing taxonomy, themes, and theory. Health Services Research. 42(4), pp.1758-1772. Bryman, A. 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