Qualitative Research - Essay Example

Qualitative Research In social sciences, research is perceived to be problematic because; it is possible to have different interpretations of data collected and with differing interpretations defined by each specific observer. The use of qualitative approach in research allows the researcher to have the freedom to explore data according to their knowledge and skills; this makes it possible to have different authors with different views on social worlds, where a concept derives different interpretations. However, qualitative research in social sciences enables a researcher to investigate and interpret phenomena that may not be investigated through quantitative research. Such includes social relations, effects of certain behaviors, and filling the gaps that are usually created by quantitative research in finding meaning and explaining relations between data sets (Nuemann, 42). In this report, several aspects of qualitative research will be investigated, how they are applied in social research, with reasons being forwarded to explain their usage. Survey and ethnography research Ethnography derives its meaning from cultural anthropology, from which its methodological and conceptual approaches were borrowed (Krishnaswarmy, Sivakumar, and lyer, 173). Ethnography may therefore be explained to be the study of cultures by observing cultural trends closely, while reading and interpreting meanings in these cultures. Such ethnography research has to be based on the field of culture under study, conducting activities which are referred to as field work (Krishnaswarmy, Sivakumar, and lyer, 173). Therefore, the underlying needs of the researcher are learning how to identify trends in culture, and how they might describe them. Ethnography is one of the main approaches used in social research. Since ethnography is a qualitative approach in research, it seeks to conduct in depth studies related to smaller groups. This approach does not seek to obtain any set of data that may be used to generalize trends in explaining the larger group, but only a smaller sample in trying to explain smaller phenomena. The study is more focused on descriptions rather than statistics. Ethnography is characterized by open ended interviews that are unstructured; the topic of discussions is determined by the respective context. The main advantage that has made ethnography more preferable is that it gives room for the researcher to identify any discrepancies between the ideal and real values, and perceptions and beliefs, which are observed in a community (Krishnaswarmy, Sivakumar, and lyer, 173). Ethnography has its greatest advantage in providing data with a rich insight that leads to better understanding of social situations, even without any attempt to reduce such data into simple categories (Krishnaswarmy, Sivakumar, and lyer, 173). Moreover, ethnography provides data continuously over a period of time, giving a good observation of trends and their relations. Ethnography is also an ideal approach in action research. However, the approach is time consuming, and presents more problems in trying to analyze the voluminous data collected over time. On the other hand, surveys are used in social research with individual people as the basic units of analysis. The individuals in this case are known as respondents; they provide the data required for analyses through responding to a survey questionnaire (Krishnaswarmy, Sivakumar and lyer, 173). In other words, unlike in ethnography which deals with a sample in observing cultural trends, survey is used to gain information that the researcher may not observe as required in a large population. According to Newman (184), most qualitative researchers recognize the aspects of validity and reliability in research, but most researchers try to have aspects of quantitative research to cater for the two aspects above. Moreover, Neuman (184) observes that reliability of any data collected depends on consistency of such data, necessitating the use of several research methods. One difference that can be deduced in the difference between ethnography and survey is reliability of the two. While ethnography is much more elaborate and involves process or continuous observations of a sample group to determine observed cultural trends, surveys use questionnaires to seek answers from a few individuals (respondents). This makes surveys to miss out on observation of important cultural trends in such a group. Krishnaswarmy, Sivakumar, and lyer (173) further argue that the difference between ethnography and survey is regarding their goals of research, the perspective of the research, design, methodology, and the relationship that has to be cultivated between the researcher and the community of study. Ethnography is much more detailed and tends to formulate more reliable data; the continuous observation of cultural trends and how they relate with individuals is more reliable in explaining a particular phenomenon in the society. In surveys as Neumann (264) explains, the researcher uses a questionnaire with pre-set questions that the respondent is supposed to respond to, and only relies on the answers given by the respondents; there is no observation of trends in such groups. Moreover, the contact between the researcher and respondent is particularly limited to a few minutes. Therefore, in terms of validity and reliability ethnography is much more liable in research as the researcher is in contact with the group in question for extended time; they observe and record data for a longer time, meaning the results obtained would be more reliable in explaining a particular phenomenon in ethnography, compared to surveys. However, ethnography as explained involves voluminous data that has to be analyzed and results explained, making it more tedious and time taking to obtain results. Preferred sampling technique Random sampling technique would be more appropriate in any of the two methods above. Random sampling would be more appropriate in large sample populations, such as in surveys and ethnography. The method helps in avoiding biasness in research, which would affect the findings of such research (Neumann, 366). Random sampling ensures the entire population is represented with no regard to special aspects as in systematic sampling. However, random sampling may have practical constraints in time available to access certain study areas, but with extended time, it would result in the best sample possible. ASA Codes of Ethics Neumann (502) argues that research is a social process, which involves use of information obtained from people; a researcher has to be guided by a set of regulations that guide the research processes from data collection, to subsequent publishing of such data. These are principles and standards that have to guide the sociologist in ensuring professional and responsibility conduct. The code ensures researchers comply with all research standards. In my opinion, the below principles in ASA regulations have to be applied in the entire research process. The researchers have to observe the principle of integrity in their work. Integrity means they have to observe fairness, respect for others in their research process, and teaching their respondents or participants where possible. Such a researcher should not in any way act contrary to their professional welfare, or those of others. Researchers have always to observe the professional competence in their research work. This implies they have to respect the limitation of their work in research, and have to undertake the entire research process portraying competence, skills and professionalism. In addition, they have to make use of the available administrative, technical, and professional resources needed to enhance their competence in the research work. Researchers have always to be professionals, and have to accept any responsibility arising from their work. Research involves the use of studies and research findings by other researchers on the same or a different research field. The researcher is free to disagree with the findings of fellow researchers on the methodology, theoretical, or even personal approach in such research, when presenting their results. However, such a critical approach has to be handled in the highest degree of professionalism and respect for such research studies carried out by other researchers. This is because; in social sciences, public trust is of paramount importance and every researcher has to be concerned about their ethical behaviors and respect to others, in preventing any comprise of the public trust, which would undermine the entire profession, and results presented in such studies. This implies that all personal beliefs and desires of the researcher should not in any way override their ethical behaviors and the shared responsibility of presenting findings in social research. Importantly, all researchers have to respect and observe the dignity and respect for people’s rights in the field work, or when presenting questions from a questionnaire to the respondent. This implies eliminating any biasness against religion, race, gender, age, ethnicity, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, domestic status, and other factors that define individuals. Therefore, all researches have to be sensitive to individual and cultural orientations; they have to deal with groups with varying characteristics. This includes acknowledging the rights of others to have values, opinions, attitudes, and beliefs that are different from what they hold. Moreover, researchers have to be sensitive and acknowledge their responsibilities to communities where they live, work or collect such data. All researchers have to understand that during any type of research, the research is supposed to advance the profession of sociology and serving the public good in general. Therefore as Neumann (504) elaborates ASA ethics is aimed at presenting a common set of values that would provide sociologist with the right guidelines to build their profession and scientific skills in research. The code is a set of rules that intend to advance the general principals and rules that would help in covering professional situations that are encountered in the process of research. Qualitative research involves the use of ethnographical studies and surveys in collecting data from a sample population. Ethnography is more detailed and takes time; the researcher is in contact with the sample for much longer time, and data collected continuously. On the other hand, surveys involve the use of questionnaires where a respondent answers to questions by a researcher for a short time, which makes surveys much easier and less detailed than ethnography. Generally, ethics in research require the commitment of an individual to act ethically as a lifelong effort in any capacity, and the need to consult others on matters of ethics and professionalism where in any dilemma. The codes are therefore drawn from cultural, and personal values, and from experience, forming a holistic approach on which all research work has to be based and implemented. Work Cited Krishnaswarmy K. N., Sivakumar, A. I., & Mathirajan M., Management Research Methodology: Integration of Principles, Methods and Techniques, New Delhi: Dorling Kindersley Pvt, 2006. Neuman, Lawrene W., Social Research Methods, 6th edition, Allyn and Bacon, 2006 Read More